by Bob Schuman
A lot of people actually become depressed during our long, gray, cold winters here in Michigan. Dr. Robert Kender, a Clinical Psychologist at Abaris Behavioral Health has some helpful tips for beating the winter blues.

Many folks wind up in a funk during this time of the year. We’re in the dead of winter, the sun is scarce, and some are downright depressed.

As daylight hours become more limited, our bodies have a limited ability to absorb certain wave lengths of light. This can trigger what the experts call seasonal depression. Some unlucky folks start feeling lousy with the arrival of fall and stay that way until spring. Interestingly, young adults are at higher risk for seasonal depression and up to 90% who suffer are women. So what to do about it? That’s where Dr. Robert Kender comes in. He is a Clinical Psychologist at Abaris Behavioral Health and he has been treating people for this disorder for 9 years.

Dr. Kender offers these tips:

DON’T ISOLATE. Make sure to get out of the house as much as you can, especially during the day when your body can absorbe the available light. If you’re alone, stay active or get lost in a good book or movie.

SOCIALIZE MORE. Getting out with friends and family can help keep your mind busy on other things.

EXERCISE. A 20 minute brisk walk can change your mood for up to an hour. A 30 minute stroll or longer will prolong the positive effects. But be careful not to slip on the icy walkways and roads!

Also keep this in mind. Depression tends to hit harder at night. This is really the perfect time to exercise, socialize or read a good book.

If you or someone you know is experiencing severe depression, professional support may be necessary.

Abaris Behavioral Health serves the behavioral health needs of individuals at clinics in Novi, Rochester Hills and Shelby Township.