As Winter's Chill Sets In: Navigating Seasonal Affective Disorder in NYC
The arrival of winter is a somber reminder for many New Yorkers that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may be lurking. This type of depression, marked by significant mood changes tied to seasons, particularly the colder months, can have a profound impact on daily life.
Symptoms of SAD are varied and far-reaching, including persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness, loss of interest in activities, decreased energy levels, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. For some, these symptoms can escalate into more severe episodes, such as thoughts of death or suicide, and even attempts on one's own life.
Mental health experts warn that even those without a clinical diagnosis may experience dips in energy and mood due to reduced daylight and social isolation. The unique urban landscape of New York City, with its towering skyscrapers blocking sunlight, can exacerbate these issues.
According to J. Ryan Fuller, clinical psychologist and executive director of New York Behavioral Health, the combination of less sunlight exposure and long working hours creates a perfect storm for SAD symptoms. "The fall and winter months already mean we're getting less sunlight exposure, and skyscrapers limit even more sunlight," he said. "Most people in NYC work incredibly hard and typically arrive at work before there's much sunlight, and they leave late when not exposed to it."
Molly Sherb, a psychologist at the Mount Sinai Health Center, notes that isolation is a common trait during this time of year, with the holidays being both a joyous occasion and a potentially triggering event for some. "It's so much easier to isolate when you're feeling cold and darker out," she said. "The holidays can be tough for people dealing with challenging family dynamics, grief, or unmet expectations."
Fortunately, experts agree that depression and SAD respond well to treatment. Fuller recommends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and light therapy as effective options. For those without access to these resources, at-home sun lamps mimicking natural daylight can also be a helpful tool.
Getting real sunlight exposure whenever possible is also crucial. J. Ryan Fuller suggests taking short walks outside during the colder months to boost mood and energy levels.
Social connections are vital in managing SAD symptoms, according to Sherb. "If you're someone who just goes home after work and wants to isolate, then you need to figure out a plan that's a little more social but still close." This might mean scheduling low-stakes plans with friends or even starting small by simply making phone calls.
For those in crisis, New York State offers the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides immediate support and resources. Additionally, NYC Health and Hospitals offers free or low-cost therapy services, including a partnership with TalkSpace for teens, regardless of ability to pay.
The arrival of winter is a somber reminder for many New Yorkers that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may be lurking. This type of depression, marked by significant mood changes tied to seasons, particularly the colder months, can have a profound impact on daily life.
Symptoms of SAD are varied and far-reaching, including persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness, loss of interest in activities, decreased energy levels, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. For some, these symptoms can escalate into more severe episodes, such as thoughts of death or suicide, and even attempts on one's own life.
Mental health experts warn that even those without a clinical diagnosis may experience dips in energy and mood due to reduced daylight and social isolation. The unique urban landscape of New York City, with its towering skyscrapers blocking sunlight, can exacerbate these issues.
According to J. Ryan Fuller, clinical psychologist and executive director of New York Behavioral Health, the combination of less sunlight exposure and long working hours creates a perfect storm for SAD symptoms. "The fall and winter months already mean we're getting less sunlight exposure, and skyscrapers limit even more sunlight," he said. "Most people in NYC work incredibly hard and typically arrive at work before there's much sunlight, and they leave late when not exposed to it."
Molly Sherb, a psychologist at the Mount Sinai Health Center, notes that isolation is a common trait during this time of year, with the holidays being both a joyous occasion and a potentially triggering event for some. "It's so much easier to isolate when you're feeling cold and darker out," she said. "The holidays can be tough for people dealing with challenging family dynamics, grief, or unmet expectations."
Fortunately, experts agree that depression and SAD respond well to treatment. Fuller recommends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and light therapy as effective options. For those without access to these resources, at-home sun lamps mimicking natural daylight can also be a helpful tool.
Getting real sunlight exposure whenever possible is also crucial. J. Ryan Fuller suggests taking short walks outside during the colder months to boost mood and energy levels.
Social connections are vital in managing SAD symptoms, according to Sherb. "If you're someone who just goes home after work and wants to isolate, then you need to figure out a plan that's a little more social but still close." This might mean scheduling low-stakes plans with friends or even starting small by simply making phone calls.
For those in crisis, New York State offers the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides immediate support and resources. Additionally, NYC Health and Hospitals offers free or low-cost therapy services, including a partnership with TalkSpace for teens, regardless of ability to pay.
️ It's easy to feel lost and alone when the sun dips below the horizon, making us more susceptible to SAD's grasp. But what if we flipped this narrative on its head? What if instead of letting the darkness consume us, we used it as an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and others?
. I mean, what's the harm in feeling down all the time? It's not like it's gonna hurt anyone. And those skyscrapers are just blocking sunlight because the city is too busy being awesome. People can just deal with it and keep on trucking. Light therapy is overrated, imo 
. And social connections are way more complicated than Sherb makes 'em out to be. Why bother making plans when you can just stay home and binge-watch Netflix all day? And those therapists are just trying to make a buck off people's problems 
. Plus, who needs sunlight when you have air conditioning? It's the perfect solution for SAD 
! i know it can get super tough during the winter months when the days feel shorter & darker 
. i think its amazing that ppl r talkin out about this & shadin a light on how 2 deal w/ SAD 
! try 2 get outside as much as u can, even if its just for a quick walk 
or some fresh air 
. and dont b afraid to reach out 2 friends or family 4 support 
. there r also tons of resources avail w/ the 988 lifeline & free therapy services in nyc 
️ winter blues got me thinking... people need to get outside more, even if it's just for a quick walk during lunch break or after work 
. lets hope more ppl seek help if they're feeling down and not ashamed about it 
It's so easy to get caught up in work mode and forget about self-care during the holidays 
. But experts are right - social connections & light therapy can totally make a difference 
. Let's all just take care of ourselves this winter, 'kay? 
... think about it, our bodies are designed to thrive on sunlight, but when we're stuck indoors all day, every day, it's like our internal clocks are messing with us 
. We need that natural light to regulate our circadian rhythms and regulate our moods, but in a city where skyscrapers reign supreme, it's hard to get outside when the sun's not shining 
. But that's exactly what we need to avoid - isolation! We need to find ways to connect with others, even if it's just a quick phone call or a walk outside during our lunch break.
.
. I mean, it's true that the days are shorter and sunlight is scarce, but can't we just get some decent lighting in our apartments? Like, seriously, who needs to go outside when you have a fancy-schmancy lamp that simulates natural light? 
For those in NYC, SAD symptoms can be overwhelming, especially when the winter blues set in. With reduced daylight and social isolation on the rise, it's easy to get caught up in feelings of sadness and lethargy.
. And let's be real, having a social plan (even a low-stakes one) can help keep isolation at bay.
. I mean, come on, it's just winter, right? A little less sunlight isn't going to kill us 
. We're living in NYC, one of the greatest cities in the world, with tons of indoor activities to do 
. And if you're really struggling, just take up a hobby or join a club that interests you 
. It's not like it's a death sentence or anything 
.
.
. And if all else fails, there's always therapy... or a good ol' fashioned Netflix binge 
.
. I mean, I get it, SAD is real and all that jazz, but can't we just have some actual sunlight around here? Like, seriously, NYC skyscrapers blocking out the sun are NOT helping anyone's mental health 
. And don't even get me started on the holidays... they're supposed to be a time for joy, but really it's just an excuse for everyone to isolate and feel even more down 
.
light therapy & cognitive behavioral therapy r key 
. and hey, nyc has got u covered with resources like the 988 suicide lifeline and free therapy services 
. And by the way, who needs 988? We should be building our own support systems, not relying on some hotline 
, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna isolate myself during the holidays 
! They're not just cute, they're also excellent listeners 
.
I think it's awesome that there are resources available for those who need help, like therapy services and support hotlines 