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Winter Blues or Seasonal Depression?

SCRANTON — Winter weather might make it easy to stay in bed all day. For some people, the colder weather and lack of daylight can cause serious depression...

SCRANTON -- Winter weather might make it easy to stay in bed all day.

For some people, the colder weather and lack of daylight can cause serious depression.

A psychologist at Marywood University who said you can tell the difference between the winter blues or a bigger problem.

But for the people who are out in the elements, they said enough is enough.

"It`s a pain in the backside," Said Gary Holzman of Scranton.

That seems to be the common reaction to the snow, ice and cold temperatures in our area.

Even though Holzman walks every day, no matter the weather, he's over the cold.

"I have to bundle up and everything else. That`s my deepest opinion about this stupid weather. I wish it would end soon, but seriously, I really do," said Holzman.

Evelyn Sandone of Scranton is sick of shoveling and ready to head south.

"I think it`s time to get out of here. I`m going back to Florida on Monday. I think back home in Pennsylvania, this is just the tip of the iceberg," said Sandone.

Dr. Fauve Luckey of Marywood University said it's common for people to feel the winter blues.

In some cases it could be more than that.

Psychologists think it could be depression with a seasonal pattern, the condition that used to be called "Sad."

"Your functioning is affected. You might not be able to get out of bed in the morning, or your might notice a difference in your sleeping or eating patterns," said Luckey. "Try to plan for activities that you might be able to do in the spring. Like, planting your garden. Try to look forward to those things and get ready for those when the nice weather does hit."

You might also want to try a new winter hobby.

"You have to stay busy. So, personally I love skiing or snowboarding. You just have to keep yourself occupied," said Giovanna Steinhouse, a student at Marywood.

Dr. Luckey said if focusing on the positive doesn't help, you should consult a specialist. "Go get help. Seek treatment. Because if it is something that can be helped with treatment, your psychologist can talk to your psychiatrist or primary care physician and get you the help that you really need. "

There are some factors that might increase your risk for seasonal depression.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the disorder affects more women than men.

Also, family history plays a part or if you've been diagnosed with clinical depression or bipolar disorder.

If you think you might be suffering some a seasonal depression, see your doctor.

As for the rest of us, we can only hope the Newswatch 16 weather team will have a warmer forecast coming our way.

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