By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – During the winter months people may find themselves hit with not just cold temperatures, but seasonal affective disorder as well.

A lack of sunlight, frigid temperatures and long nights can each play a role in someone to be hit by the “winter blues”. Susan Williams with PATH Crisis in Bloomington said if you find yourself falling into a depressed state, there are some ways to pick yourself back up.

“Getting some sunshine, using a special lamp,” Williams explained. “They do have lamps that you can use to help mimic that type of daylight that people are missing in the deepest, darkest winters.”

Williams said a lack of sunlight, frigid temperatures and long nights can each play a role in someone to be hit by seasonal affective disorder. She noted seasonal affective disorder is very individualized, so different people may be affected in different ways.

“It’s kind of just very individualized, some people are more affected by that than other people,” said Williams. “Some people may not have any kind of seasonal affective disorder or any kind of change in their behaviors.”

Williams explained PATH has a 24/7 phone line to call if you are feeling depressed and need someone to talk to, available at 211 or (888) 865-9903.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].