SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) – While the unofficial start of winter (Dec. 21) isn’t for another month, the current climate resembles that of the cold and snowy months ahead — which for many means that start of seasonal depression.
Seasonal depression was first discovered in the 1980’s, and is described as a change in mood based on the winter season. Short days and lack of sunlight are main reasons for the feelings many experience, as well as feeling isolated and lonely due to the cold weather outside. While it is very common all over the country, it is especially high in the state of New York.
According to The Journal News, New York averages one million reported cases of seasonal depression a year, while the national average based on America’s total number of cases is 400,000.
“I think it’s hard in the winter time when it gets really cloudy and grey and I feel like the weather has an actual impact on how you feel,” Adam Avin, Florida native and current Syracuse resident, said.
Seasonal depression is believed to have grown even bigger since the COVID-19 pandemic, with people being trapped inside furthering feelings of isolation. With New York’s dark and short winter days, those emotions get even worse locally this time of year.
“For me, coming from a place that’s sunny and happy, coming here to Syracuse in the cold weather where there’s no sun for months at a time definitely has a toll on your mental health,” Avin said.
Health providers say that some ways to combat seasonal depression are light therapy and anti-depressant medications.
