MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Record-breaking snowfall this early in the season can add stress during the busy holiday season, prompting mental health experts to remind people about the importance of self-care during winter months.
Record-breaking snowfall this early in the season can add stress during the busy holiday season, prompting mental health experts to remind people about the importance of self-care during winter months.(WMTV)
The snow and cold temperatures can make it harder on mental health, but experts say taking time to focus on self-care can make all the difference.
With this much snow this early in the season, some residents are embracing the winter weather after lighter snowfall in recent years.
“We didn’t have much of that the last couple of winters,” Madison resident Rob Ehlers said. “It’s [shoveling] getting harder as I get older to deal with but I still enjoy it.”
Westside resident Steve Dahlgren said he’s also enjoying the snow this year.
“Last year it was hardly anything,” Dahlgren said. “Now we finally got some real snow, so it’s about time.”
But for others, the early snowfall creates difficulties.
“We’re waking up earlier to try and take care of our sidewalks and our driveways,” Dr. Tyler Rickers, a psychiatrist at Rogers Behavioral Health said. “And it makes us a little bit stressed out because the driving is more difficult.”
During the winter months, Dr. Rickers said it’s common to see people experiencing seasonal depression and holiday stress.
“There’s a number of factors, including lack of sunlight and no longer having some of the outdoor activities that we had before. Less daylight can also affect mood,” Dr. Rickers said.
In a time of year focused on helping others, Dr. Rickers said it’s also important to make time for yourself.
“Make sure you take an hour and do something relaxing or something that’s value based that you like,” he said. “So not losing sight of some of the things that help us going to the gym, working out, being around our friends, having a break for meditation, just getting out for a walk or a hike.”
For some Madison residents, the snow provides an opportunity for community connection.
“We need to get out and talk to our neighbors and this is one way we can do it in the middle of winter,” neighbor Bob Stockton said. “Everybody gets a little bit done and it helps everybody out so it’s been pretty good around here,” Dahlgren said.
Getting enough sleep, getting proper nutrition and seeking help if symptoms become severe are also important, Dr. Rickers said.
Experts say winter can be a busy time for mental health providers, so it’s important to plan ahead for appointments and stay on top of any prescriptions.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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