As temperatures drop and leaves change color, many people look forward to winter, but for some, the season brings the onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often called the “Winter Blues”. According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 5% of the U.S. population, or roughly 17 million people, experience SAD each year.

Michelle Tatum, a licensed clinical therapist at Renown Regional Medical Center, explained that the disorder “really comes from a change in temperature and lighting. It can really affect our mood in terms of changing of our schedules.” Symptoms vary but often include feelings of sadness, low energy, and irritability.

Tatum emphasized the importance of self-care in managing symptoms, advising individuals to focus on “good self-care, good hygiene, getting to sleep at a reasonable time, eating healthy, all those kinds of things. Having fun, it’s very important.”

University of Nevada graduate student Tori Thomas, who lives with depression year-round, shared her strategy for coping: “For an hour or something every day, I go, okay, I’m going to do my favorite thing.”

A strong support system is also crucial, according to Tatum. “Having a good support network, friends, family, mentors, colleagues, as well as professionals I think is really important,” she said. UNR student Jake Morrison echoed this sentiment, saying, “I think what really helped me is a good support system, family, friends.”

SAD is typically seen between November and January, but Tatum noted that some people experience similar symptoms during the spring and summer months.

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, October 10th, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto sent a statement to News4/FOX11 that reads, “On World Mental Health Day, we’re reminded that caring for our mental well-being is essential to living healthy, full lives.” Sen. Jacky Rosen also highlighted the importance of mental health, writing on X, “Today is World Mental Health Day, a reminder that your mental health matters. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to reach out for help.”

Renown offers mental health services, including individual counseling and group therapy, at their Stacie Matthewson Behavioral Health Facility.

For those in need, help is available 24/7 through the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Email reporter Anthony Ramos at aramos@sbgtv.com. Follow @antramosnews on X and Anthony Ramos on Facebook.