SHOREWOOD, Wis.— After a sneak-peak at summer last weekend, a chilly and gray reality is setting in for many across Wisconsin.
With temperatures expected to remain in the 40s and 50s for the foreseeable future, the winter blues is lingering longer than normal.
At Atwater Beach in Shorewood, Wisconsin, the benches and playground sit empty and the walking paths remain quiet. Rebecca Simenz was one of the few people out on a chilly Thursday as she walked her dog.
“This is pathetic; it is almost May and feels like February,” said Simenz. “I am just sick of it this time of year— even the dog is wearing a coat and that just isn’t right.”
Cold, dreary days can lead to feelings of sadness. Sometimes the feelings are just passing, but other times they can be more serious if the feelings seem to be part of a longer term pattern. That’s the case with Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Dr. Tyler Rickers of Rogers Behavioral Health said it is not uncommon for people to experience changing emotions due to the weather. Rickers said finding ways to stay active can often help.
“Open up some windows, get some sunlight in your house, go and do things as best you can,” Rickers said. “Exercise seems to combat depression, so getting more exercise will be helpful for you. Try and regulate your sleep, try to go to sleep at the same time as best you can.”
Dr. Rickers said if someone has lingering feelings of depression related to the weather, or any other cause, it would be a good idea to reach out to a mental health professional.
For mental health resources in Wisconsin, click here.