Addressing the Winter Blues

Tuesday, February 3rd, is the halfway point of winter; ask anyone, it can be difficult to stay cheery this time of year.

The Winter Blues are in full swing, in large part because we see less sun this time of year.  But, Kaiser Permanente Pediatrician Dr. Lisa Denike says how severe it strikes depends on where you’re from.

“Kids born in the Northwest tend to handle the shorter daylight hours a little better than kids who were perhaps born and grew up part of their life in another sunnier climate,” she noted.

Denike added the post-holiday hangover is also tough on some families.

“I think we all spend the end of the year, fall into winter, thinking about the holidays and being excited about being together with family and friends, and doing fun things," Denike said.  "And then the holidays are over.”

She added the number of cases involving viral illness is up this winter, making this time of year more challenging as well.

Denike said most people will recover from the Winter Blues on their own, but, if you or your child seem to be avoiding activities they typically enjoy, or don’t want to socialize like they used to, it’s time to talk to a professional.

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