Tulsa psychiatrist offers tips for beating the winter 'blues'

Wednesday, January 17th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

For Oklahomans recovering from the last stretch of winter weather, dealing with more is enough to bring on the blues in some. It can be especially depressing for those who suffered the more serious brunt of the recent storms. The News on Six asked a Tulsa psychiatrist for help in getting through these dark days of winter.

Business at Reasor's grocery store was twice as busy as usual for a Tuesday, the manager said. Shoppers motivated by the forecast for more snow. They were after rock salt, and comfort food. Some even planned to settle in with a good movie. They wanted to be prepared, they said. But what was their reaction to word of more winter?

"Not again," said one shopper.

"My heart fell,â€ another said.

When asked, â€˜What brings on winter dread?â€™â€ shoppers Jerrie and Don Banzet answered, "The feeling of being isolated inside." Psychiatrist Stephen Harnish agrees. Winter's restriction bothers people most, beginning with the extra physical challenges of going outside. "And you also get cooped up a lot more ,and when we do that, we tend to eat too much or eat more,â€ explained Harnish. â€œSome people drink more or drink too much, and I'm including alcohol in this."

There's social confinement too. "We kind of have to put up with the people in our life more each day, and more intensively,â€ Harnish noted. â€œEverybody seems to get revved up, and relationships are more difficult."

Harnish says it's possible that gloomy days cause some to think more about sad or difficult issues in their lives. But he doubts that the gray winter landscape alone causes depression. â€œThe paradox is that springtime is when the most suicides are," he noted.

We do what we can to prepare for winter with snow shovels, heaters, ice melt and sleds. Harnish says there are other ways to help get through it.
"First, I think they have to develop a different attitude about the inconvenience,â€ he explained. â€œI mean, so many take it personally: 'How could the weather do this to me?'" Or focus on the beauty. "I like to see the pretty white snow,â€ Harnish said. â€œI take my camera, and go around taking pictures of everything. That's it.â€

Harnish's offers these remedies for winter blues.

Exercise
Don't over eat or drink too much
In the case of too much closeness, go to another room to get away from any developing tensions at home or work.

Others point out the importance of staying in touch with the elderly or others confined by the weather.