Carol Zuniga, MS, LLP, CEO of Hegira Health, Inc.
February 2025
Winters are tough for many of us. When I see Facebook posts of people laughing in the middle of a blizzard up north, I wonder if they aren’t part polar bear. Our bear friends notwithstanding, for many Michiganders, as we turn the corner into February, the mounting impact of the winter months can weigh heavily on our emotional and physical health.
Stresses abound. We find ourselves facing post-holiday bills, wintery weather that keeps us inside and seeking comfort foods that show up on our scales, missed resolutions and relationship stresses.
In addition, less sunlight during winter affects our bodies and our minds. It can impact our sleep rhythms, throwing off our energy and mental focus. Vital hormones like Serotonin are impacted, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. Low vitamin D, due to decreased sunlight and our decreased sun exposure when it is cold outside, also contributes to depressed mood and can lead to osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, and mental confusion in older adults, according to the Mayo Clinic Minute.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health or substance use issues contact Hegira Health call 734-458-4601 or visit www.hegirahealth.org.
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About the author
Carol Zuniga, MS, LLP, CEO of Hegira Health, Inc. is a licensed psychologist with more than 30 years’ experience in the healthcare industry. Hegira Health, Inc., is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services with clinic locations in Western Wayne and the Downriver communities. Visit www.hegirahealth.org.