The last storm’s snow had barely melted when Sunday and Monday brought a fresh heaping of soon-to-be slush and transit issues to New York City, as well as an existential question: Will it ever be possible to comfortably leave the house in fewer than three layers again?
New York has had a brutal winter this year, with record-breaking cold and snowfall. So it’s not so surprising that residents have been experiencing extreme winter blues ranging from mild discontent to a diagnosable medical condition.
“We’re seeing a spike in seasonal affective disorder,” said New York-based psychiatrist Dr. Tamir Aldad, who is also the founder and CEO of mental health care company Mindful Care. SAD, as the depressive condition is known, reliably spikes in the cold weather months, when sunlight exposure plummets. But this year has been notably worse than usual, Aldad said.
“Not only are we seeing a spike in SAD in patients, we’re actually seeing clinicians presenting with some changes in mood,” he said.
SAD often manifests as negative mood changes, feelings of emptiness, hopelessness and decreased energy. It can also look like people “losing their ability to tolerate the winter,” as many currently are, said Aldad. “Everyone's patience is wearing thin.”
The silver lining, though, is that the worst is nearly over: Late February and early March are generally the apex of winter blues. “We’re at the peak now,” said Aldad.
“In the beginning of November, December, people have a very high tolerance” for the cold and lack of sun, he continued. “February really is when we see people completely burnt out.”
“Clinically, SAD typically peaks in mid to late winter,” said Manhattan-based therapist Heather Sutter. “Practically and emotionally, many people say March feels the hardest.”
The end of March is when folks can expect the sun to organically restore their vitamin D levels and mood, said Sutter, who is also the clinic director of the online therapy company Octave.
The go-to treatments for SAD are phototherapy (so-called SAD lamps) and vitamin D supplements, and the same type of mental health support proven to be useful in any weather.
“Winter doesn't cause depression alone, but it creates conditions for mood dips,” Sutter said.
And though SAD symptoms have spiked this year, Aldad noted he has not observed an increase in 911 calls, hospitalizations or suicidality.
As for the effect of snow on New Yorkers’ mental health, it depends.
“Are you enjoying it by a fireplace, in a chalet? Or are you out there shoveling and wondering when the experience is gonna be over?” said Aldad. Depending on the answer, the experience can build resentment or bring pleasure.
“Snow disrupts routines,” said Heather, and “the loss of structure can worsen the mood.”
Then again, for some – perhaps those seeking a slower pace or a reason to relax – it can be a good thing.
