I am really down and out; the weather keeps changing and it almost like a tease. One day it’s warm and beautiful the next day bitter cold. I just can’t seem to get myself going again. Do you have any suggestions on how to deal with this never ending winter?

Winter Blues
Dear Dr. Lori,

Dear Winter Blues,
It can be especially challenging when Mother Nature seems to tease us by allowing one day of warmer weather followed by a bitter cold one. Unfortunately this is part of our reality if we live in a 4 season climate. I would like to suggestion a few options for you:
Try to find hobbies that you can look forward to in the winter months. You can begin now, it’s not too late. Have you ever thought of joining a club? Going to a gym? Joining a group online or in person? This can give you something to look forward to and it can help ease the winter blues. As well, do you participate in any winter activities- it’s never too late to start. If you were to take up skating for example, then you again would have something to look forward to. Let’s say you aren’t a winter person…have you ever thought about possibly moving to a warmer climate? For some people winter is just torture, I often recommend thinking about why you choose to live in this climate if you do not like it. Perhaps the reasons are out of obligation to family, and then I strongly urge you to find something that will make the winter bearable for you.

Hope tomorrow is a better day for you,
. Lori

Dear Lori,

My daughter has said that she doesn’t see the point in life; she is 15 years old and went from being a fairly happy child to what I think is a very depressed teenager. She will not talk to me and share what is wrong. I thought about counseling and she has said no. I am truly concerned about her and don’t know what to do. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Worried MOM

Dear Worried MOM,

It certainly sounds like your daughter has had a significant change in her behaviour and I understand how this can be worrisome. There are so many variables that could be the reason for this change, including peers disapproval, struggling in school, drugs or hormones, just to name a few! I suggest you begin with a visit to your Doctor, let the Doctor know your concerns. Ask your Doctor if they will do a full blood work up on your daughter including hormone levels and a urine test for drugs. I believe it is easier to eliminate those issues where there is concrete proof. If one of them is they culprit you will know what the issue is and be able to begin to help your daughter. The other reason to take her to the doctor is she MIGHT open up to the doctor and tell him/she what the issue is. Is the doctor’s visit doesn’t provide answers, perhaps a call to school to see if a counselor at school can talk to her and see what the issue is. I do feel starting at the Doctor’s is the best place to begin, this may just be a physical issue that your daughter has no control over, eliminate the possibility of it being those issues before anything else.

Good Luck,

Lori