Maine doctor explains how winter can impact mental health [Video]

TIME NOW FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH MOMENT OF THE WEEK. DOES THE COLD WEATHER AND LESS DAYLIGHT HAVE YOU FEELING DOWN? IF THE ANSWER IS YES – YOU ARE NOT ALONE. TWO IN FIVE AMERICANS SAY THEIR MOOD GETS WORSE IN WINTER. HERE WITH US TO DISCUSS HOW TO LOOK AFTER OUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR IS SWEETSER’S MEDICAL DIRECTOR DR. MARC KAPLAN. DOCTOR KAPLAN, THANK YOU FOR COMING IN TODAY. WHY DOES WINTER MAKE US FEEL LONELIER AND MORE ISOLATED? THE REDUCED SUNLIGHT AND COLDER TEMPERATURES OF WINTER CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN SEROTONIN PRODUCTION, WHICH PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN REGULATING YOUR MOOD. THIS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SADNESS, LETHARGY, AND LOW ENERGY. THE COLD ALSO TENDS TO DRIVE PEOPLE INDOORS MORE. THIS CAN LEAD TO SOCIAL ISOLATION. LONELINESS CAN HAVE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH, LEADING TO INCREASED STRESS AND ANXIETY. WHAT ARE SOME …