January is National Wellness Month, and it's also peak time for seasonal depression. Shorter days and colder nights can bring on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that many people experience this time of year.

“We’ve had quite a few in our support groups lately,” says Heather Newton, Community Outreach Coordinator at Nomi. “It’s such a fall, after all the fun of the holiday season. We have Christmas lights up, and the house is decorated.”

Heather explains that one of the main contributors to S.A.D. is the lack of sunlight during the winter months. “When there’s no sunlight, it also creates more melatonin in your body, which makes you more tired,” she says.

In Erie, where UV rays are particularly low this time of year, Heather and her team point to alternatives like light therapy. According to the Mayo Clinic, light therapy mimics sunlight and triggers chemical changes in the brain that can help boost your mood. “Basically, it replaces sunlight, and it’s very simple. You don’t have to do it for more than 20 minutes a day, but it’s important to do it consistently, and preferably in the morning,” she says.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that depressive episodes can last up to five months each year, making it essential for individuals to find ways to cope. Heather emphasizes the importance of finding a hobby or activity that encourages people to get out of the house. “Working out is fantastic,” she notes. “Not only does it get you out of the house, but it also increases those happy endorphins and helps you feel better.”

Heather also stresses the importance of staying social and reaching out to loved ones. “Staying connected is key to overcoming the winter blues,” she says.