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While many are eagerly anticipating the arrival of spring and the brighter days ahead, winter is still very much here, and for many in the community, the colder, darker months can take a real toll on mental health. Seasonal depression, a form of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months, is a very real condition affecting countless individuals as we remain in the thick of the season.
During a recent interview on Soda City Living, Shannon Marcus, CEO of Three Rivers Behavioral Health, spoke openly about the importance of recognizing seasonal depression and seeking support early.
“Seasonal depression is a form of depression that usually comes in the winter, in the fall months when we’re exposed to less sunlight,” Marcus explained. “We go to work and it’s dark. We come home and it’s dark. We don’t get a lot of chance to be out in the sunshine.”
According to Marcus, reduced sunlight can impact key brain chemicals such as serotonin and melatonin, which influence mood and sleep. Common symptoms may include irritability, trouble sleeping, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawal from others.
“These are very real feelings,” she emphasized. “Seasonal depression is a real disorder. It’s a form of depression that everyday people experience.”
Knowing When to Seek Help
Marcus encouraged individuals not to dismiss their feelings or simply wait for the season to pass.
“Really any time,” she said. “If you’re asking yourself, ‘Should I get help?’ then yeah, the answer is yes.”
She stressed that seasonal depression is not something people need to suffer through alone, and that professional support can make a meaningful difference, even as warmer months approach.
Supporting Loved Ones Through the Winter Months
The conversation also highlighted the role family and friends can play in helping someone who may be struggling.
“A lot of times, people are scared to talk about their mental wellness because there’s so much stigma attached to it,” Marcus said. “So really just normalizing the conversation is important.”
She encouraged loved ones to pay attention to changes such as increased isolation, irritability, or sadness, and to simply ask, “How are you doing?” while being prepared to listen and support the answer.
Small Steps Toward Feeling Better
Marcus also shared practical steps individuals can take to improve their mental health during darker months, including getting outside during the day, taking walks, exercising, and staying connected with others.
“The biggest thing is don’t suffer alone,” she said. “You don’t have to. There’s help out there for you.”
Resources Available at Three Rivers Behavioral Health
Three Rivers Behavioral Health offers both inpatient and outpatient services, with flexible options designed to meet the needs of working adults, students, and families.
“We have both evening and daytime programs,” Marcus explained. “You can come in and talk to mental health professionals, talk to other people experiencing similar things, so you realize you’re not alone.”
