Dr. Pat featured in Porch.com providing “Expert Advice to Beat the Winter Blues”

I was recently consulted by Porch.com writer, Teresa Siqueira, on advice to beat the winter blues.

In the article, Teresa consults with a number of experts and does an excellent job of summarizing their advice to overcome the winter blues.

For the complete list of tips, you can read the article here: https://porch.com/advice/advice-winter-blues

You’ll find my advice listed below:

How to help a loved one that is suffering from seasonal depression

“I am assuming that, if you know that the loved one is suffering from seasonal depression, you are able to discuss their issue with them. If that is the case, I would recommend that you refer them to a professional who can help them to determine the cause of their seasonal depression. The professional could then help the person to implement one or more forms of treatment to address their issue. I would recommend that the person first meet with their family doctor who may then recommend that the person meet with a mental health professional such as a psychologist. If seasonal depression has been determined to be caused by the person not engaging in activities such as physical exercise and social connections as often during the winter months, they could plan with their therapist ways to get these activities more into their routines by overcoming challenges in doing so. For example, although it may be easier to exercise in the warmer months by going outside to run, bike or roller blade, with some planning there can be identified alternative indoor workouts at home or at a nearby gym. And although it may be more challenging to meet people in person for coffee or other activities during the winter, alternatives such as phone calls, video chats, emails and text messages can help fill the social connection void when the weather is too inclement to venture outside.”