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Trump administration deports hundreds of immigrants, even as a judge orders removals be stopped; Sierra Club sues DOGE over mass firings; Lack of opportunity pushes rural Gen Zers in AZ out of their communities; Fixing one problem, creating another? Ohio's lead pipe replacements.

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Secretary of State Rubio pledges more arrests like that of student activist Mahmoud Khalil. Former EPA directors sound the alarm on Lee Zeldin's deregulation plans, and lack of opportunity is pushing rural Gen Zers out of their communities.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

Experts: Tips for beating winter blues in Alabama

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Wednesday, February 19, 2025   

Winter's chill is not just outside, it is affecting moods, too.

Nearly four in 10 Americans report feeling gloomier in the colder months but experts said there are ways to shake off the slump.

Seasonal affective disorder is the official name for the winter blues. It is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes.

Matthew Macaluso, professor of psychiatry and vice chair at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, explained while the exact causes of seasonal affective disorder are not fully understood, several biological factors are at play. They include a person's serotonin production, melatonin regulation, and cortisol levels, all of which influence mood and energy.

"What we commonly see is that people can fall asleep more quickly than normal," Macaluso observed. "They may even oversleep. They may eat more than normal or crave carbohydrates. We can sometimes see them gain weight. They'll have a change in mood, where they might feel low."

He recommended reaching out first to a primary care provider if you are concerned about symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. He warned in severe cases, symptoms could signal a crisis, even thoughts of self-harm or suicide. He urged anyone experiencing those feelings to seek immediate help by calling 911, going to the nearest emergency room, or calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

While professional help is important, Macaluso pointed out there are also simple ways to help curb winter blues on your own. Increasing light exposure, through natural sunlight or 10,000 lux light therapy lamps light therapy, can make a big difference. Staying socially connected and unplugging from screens can be helpful. He added even small shifts in daily routines can improve mood.

"Being mindful of diet, exercise, light exposure, trying to get outside even in the winter," Macaluso outlined. "Getting out for a walk, getting out for a jog, if appropriate for the person's health, and to avoid things that get people in trouble, like overeating during the holidays or overindulging."

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, stressed the importance of a strong support system and seeking help when needed. In addition to primary care doctors, she said virtual care has become a widely accessible option.

"You might be surprised to learn that your health insurance plan includes telehealth benefits, often at no or very low cost to you," Randall emphasized. "Those telehealth benefits generally include telebehavioral health."

She added some insurance plans or workplace wellness programs may also offer extra resources to help with mental health and everyday challenges.

Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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