MILWAUKEE – Is it the winter blues or something more? While shorter days and grey skies can affect people’s moods, psychologists have suggestions to maintain your mental health in check.

“Seasonal affective disorder – or SAD for brief – is a clinical depression that typically occurs throughout the winter months,” said Dr. Shilagh Mirgain, a UW Health psychologist.

Mirgain said SAD effects 4-6% of individuals, but 10-20% can experience a “lesser form” – sometimes often known as the “winter blues.” Symptoms can include sleep disturbance, appetite change and feeling sluggish or lethargic.

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“On the worst there may be that feeling of hopelessness or helplessness or feelings of suicide,” said Mirgain.

To fight it, Mirgain said staying lively and eating food with vitamin D, like mushrooms or salmon, will help. Socialization also can help improve your mood – whether it’s in person, over the phone or virtually.

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“Should you find that you simply’re really scuffling with SAD, and also you’re finding that it’s impacting your overall wellbeing, seek skilled help,” said Mirgain. “You’re not alone. It’s really essential to think ahead: ‘What can be the very best type of self-care for myself this time of yr?’”

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Should you or someone you already know is struggling, the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline may be accessed by dialing 988.

Localized resources for quite a lot of circumstances may be accessed by calling 211. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also offers information and resources for mental health help and suicide prevention online.

Additional mental health resources may be found through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).