2020 has been a tough year. COVID-19, social unrest, political drama, and natural disasters can all cause stress and mental fatigue. Add in less sunlight and a colder climate, and this winter might be rough for many workers.

According to the CDC, in the second quarter of 2020, “the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety disorder was approximately three times those reported in the second quarter of 2019 (25.5% versus 8.1%), and prevalence of depressive disorder was approximately four times that reported in the second quarter of 2019.”

Additionally, roughly 5% of people deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder, or seasonal depression. In an interview with USA Today, professor of psychology Dr. Lata McGinn noted:

“There’s less activity, there’s less socialization, there are less mastery activities, there are less pleasurable activities, so in general there is an increase in depression, not to mention job losses and losses of people. A combination of all those things, I think, would put us more at risk this winter.”

Essentially, even if you don’t suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, workers must prioritize their mental health this season. Following are methods to cope. (more…)