This time of year we are constantly dealing with cold weather and cloudy days, which can have serious effects on mental health

TOLEDO, Ohio — Despite it being the holiday season, experts at NAMI of Greater Toledo said suicide rates and mood disorders are on the rise.

This time of year we are constantly dealing with cold weather and cloudy days, which can have serious effects on mental health.

"People really are feeling the stress of not only the holidays, and the shorter days, and less light but just the pressures of everyday humanity," said Marriah Kornowa, executive director of NAMI.

NAMI encourages said seasonal depression is a real mood disorder, clinically diagnosed as seasonal affective disorder. It stems from the shorter days and less sun light that we normally see in the fall and winter months. And they also said it is one of the reasons that there's a larger risk for suicide during the holidays.

Marriah Kornowa urges the pubic to look out for warnings such as:

- Change in behavior

- Change in appearance

- Isolation and sadness 

- Lack of energy 

- Lack of interest in activities and normal routine 

Kornowa said if you spot the warning signs in yourself, or others, don't hesitate to reach out and find support. 

"These are times to step in and say, I know this time of year is rough you've had loss. Or, our financial stability this time of year is stressed. So, just really making sure that we pay attention and sort of slow down and just check in on people," Kornowa said.

NAMI recorded 90 percent of Americans who die by suicide are living with mental illness and 47 percent of adults ages 18 to 29 struggle with depression and anxiety. 

That's almost half of the population of young adults in the U.S. 

Kornowa said mental illness can be treated and managed. If you are down, she said start by being aware of your thought patterns. Fight to shift your thoughts from negatives into positives. 

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If you start having suicidal thoughts, make an appointment with your doctor and be honest with how you feel.

Kornowa also said to partner with your family members or friends to seek help. There are even one-on-one encouragement and support groups are available through NAMI.

The leaders at NAMI believe a person experiencing suicidal ideation has the power to be their own first line of defense.

"It's important to take care of yourself this time of year, we are always giving for everybody else. It is about the spirit of the holidays, but what are you doing to take care of yourself?" Kornowa said. "Go into the holidays prepared, talking about boundaries with your family, and just recognizing and honoring your own feelings." https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=13393