Winter can be a tough time for people who deal with depression and anxiety. From decreased sunlight, colder temperatures, and the bleakness of the outdoors, this can make anyone feel a little more down than normal. However, people with specific mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, may react to this time of year with a stronger response than most. Some people struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a kind of depression that is tied to seasonal changes and occurs at the same time yearly, but there are other mental health issues that people must cope with on a daily basis, too. Whether you have SAD or a spectrum of anxiety and depression symptoms, some things can be done to improve your mood, attitude, and overall mental health this time of year.

ProHealth recently spoke with licensed mental health therapist, Latasha Matthews, LPC, CPCS, CPLC, CAMS. Read more here… (Latasha Matthews, LPC contributing author)