"Winter Blues" Hit Hard in NYC: Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder as the Snow Falls
As the leaves fade and the sun dips below 5 p.m., the city's residents are bracing for another winter of dealing with seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. For those who live in skyscrapers where sunlight is scarce, the already short days of autumn have given way to an even bleaker landscape.
Depression marked by persistent sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness, SAD symptoms can also include fatigue, trouble concentrating, and changes in appetite. While not a clinical diagnosis itself, experts say even healthy individuals may experience dips in energy levels due to the reduced daylight and cold weather that makes socializing a challenge.
Dr. J. Ryan Fuller, an executive director of New York Behavioral Health, attributes NYC's SAD epidemic to its unique environment. "Skyscrapers limit sunlight exposure even more," he notes. "Most people here work incredibly hard and leave late, making it difficult to get natural light during the day."
Another expert, Dr. Molly Sherb at Mount Sinai Health Center, highlights isolation as a major factor in SAD symptoms. While the holidays can bring joy for many, they can be a triggering time for others due to strained family dynamics, grief, and expectations.
Fortunately, depression and SAD respond well to treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy and light therapy have proven effective in managing symptoms. For those who need help, therapists may recommend at-home sun lamps that mimic natural daylight.
Getting real sunlight whenever possible is also crucial, says Dr. Fuller. Taking short walks outside can make a difference.
Sherb stresses the importance of socializing, even if it starts small – calling a friend once a week or meeting up for a low-key activity. For teens struggling with mental health issues, there's help available through "Teenspace," a partnership between TalkSpace and NYC that offers free therapy via phone, video, and text.
For those who can't afford insurance or struggle to access healthcare due to immigration status, NYC Health and Hospitals offers affordable services. Clinics affiliated with graduate schools also provide reduced rates.
Lastly, the National Alliance on Mental Illness New York City provides a resource for finding help and connecting with local therapists.
As the leaves fade and the sun dips below 5 p.m., the city's residents are bracing for another winter of dealing with seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. For those who live in skyscrapers where sunlight is scarce, the already short days of autumn have given way to an even bleaker landscape.
Depression marked by persistent sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness, SAD symptoms can also include fatigue, trouble concentrating, and changes in appetite. While not a clinical diagnosis itself, experts say even healthy individuals may experience dips in energy levels due to the reduced daylight and cold weather that makes socializing a challenge.
Dr. J. Ryan Fuller, an executive director of New York Behavioral Health, attributes NYC's SAD epidemic to its unique environment. "Skyscrapers limit sunlight exposure even more," he notes. "Most people here work incredibly hard and leave late, making it difficult to get natural light during the day."
Another expert, Dr. Molly Sherb at Mount Sinai Health Center, highlights isolation as a major factor in SAD symptoms. While the holidays can bring joy for many, they can be a triggering time for others due to strained family dynamics, grief, and expectations.
Fortunately, depression and SAD respond well to treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy and light therapy have proven effective in managing symptoms. For those who need help, therapists may recommend at-home sun lamps that mimic natural daylight.
Getting real sunlight whenever possible is also crucial, says Dr. Fuller. Taking short walks outside can make a difference.
Sherb stresses the importance of socializing, even if it starts small – calling a friend once a week or meeting up for a low-key activity. For teens struggling with mental health issues, there's help available through "Teenspace," a partnership between TalkSpace and NYC that offers free therapy via phone, video, and text.
For those who can't afford insurance or struggle to access healthcare due to immigration status, NYC Health and Hospitals offers affordable services. Clinics affiliated with graduate schools also provide reduced rates.
Lastly, the National Alliance on Mental Illness New York City provides a resource for finding help and connecting with local therapists.
. Like, can't they just make our screens brighter or something? 
It's not like we're going to magically feel better just because the sun dips below 5 pm 
. And don't even get me started on the whole "Skyscrapers limit sunlight exposure" thing 
. I mean, come on, can't they just install some fancy LED lights or something? 
It's not like we're all stuck in some sort of perpetual darkness 
.
I mean, I get it, the holidays can be tough, but do they have to make such a big deal about it? 
It's just winter, folks! Get some hot chocolate in you and deal with it 
️.
i tried her w/ cognitive behavioral therapy but it didn't seem 2 work. what works is taking her for a walk outside when the sun is out, that lifts her mood so much 
but honestly its hard w/ the school schedule & after-school activities 
.
or like maybe we could get some actual sunlight in the city for a sec? 
i remember when my grandma used to take me on walks outside during winter and it was like, u feel the sunshine? 
especially for teens who might not have access to healthcare or can't afford the full cost 
nyc is literally the worst place to live during this time u gotta take thot of light therapy, dr fuller is right skylines dont even let in sunlight anymore 
but lol i heard from my friend who works @ a coffee shop downtown they just turn on the lamps and make it feel like summer LOL. 4 real tho, its hard to get motivated when u barely get to leave ur flat during daylight hrs 
, remember when the sun was setting at 4 pm? Now it's even worse 
.
️. And what about self-care? I mean, taking short walks outside can be nice, but sometimes it feels like that's just a facade...you know? 
winter blues r real tho lol but seriously ppl struggling w/ sad & anxiety gotta get help dont let it affect ur work or daily life u can try light therapy like those portable sun lamps 4 a start 