It is possible to experience a range of emotions all throughout the year. But statistically, winter time is when more people start to feel themselves down, as if something is wrong or missing in their lives. As a Long Island psychologist, Dr. Marc Shulman has seen the way that the winter time seems to have an effect on the health and happiness of others, and that is why it tends to be a time of increased calls for mental health support.
But why is this so common in winter time compared to, say, fall or spring? There are many factors, all of which can be worked upon within therapy sessions.
Reasons for Winter Blues
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
There is a type of depression that is specifically linked to the darker, winter months, known as seasonal affective disorder, or “SAD.” Although the exact cause is not entirely known, there are those that are simply more prone to negative emotions when they experience less sunlight. It is why, even though there are plenty of mental health treatments to help with SAD, one of the most common is simply exposure to light: more time outdoors, and using a bright light to stimulate the mind.
- Missing Family/Relationships
The holiday season is often a time of family and friendships. But if a person is missing those in their life, or they aren’t fulfilled by what they have, the juxtaposition can lead to feelings of emptiness that ultimately affect a person’s mental health. It’s why individual relationship counseling is especially common during this time of year, for those that want to build more fulfilling relationships.
- The Stresses of the New Year
The upcoming new year can also lead to all types of stressors. Financial stressors from buying gifts. The stress of planning for guests and visitors. The stress of reflecting on the past year, and much more. The holidays are also a time of heavy eating, alcohol consumption, and other behaviors that may seem fun at the time but may lead to feelings of discomfort as well.
Call Our Long Island Psychologists Today
There are a number of reasons that you may be feeling down this winter, but no matter why it may occur, please consider calling our team of Long Island psychologists to help. We are here to help work with you on increasing your feelings of positivity and contentment, and look forward to working with you on ways to improve your life outlook.
