Sivas psychologist warns of seasonal depression during winter

Psychologist Burak Koçkanat from Medicana Sivas Hospital has issued warnings regarding the impact of autumn and winter on mental health, particularly in regions like Sivas that experience long, harsh winters. He noted that reduced daylight affects the balance of melatonin and serotonin, which regulate sleep and mood, potentially leading to what is scientifically known as seasonal pattern depression.

Symptoms vary by age group. In children, preschool-aged kids may show restlessness or sleep disturbances, while school-aged children might experience loss of interest in school or physical complaints like stomach aches. Adolescents often exhibit social withdrawal or increased screen time. For adults, the combination of early darkness and external pressures such as career or economic concerns can lead to social isolation.

To mitigate these effects, Koçkanat recommends maximizing exposure to daylight through morning sunlight, maintaining regular sleep schedules, and reducing screen time in favor of family activities.