Expert: Change your thinking when weather’s gloomy

The weather may be affecting your mood.

Many days in a row without sunshine can and do have an affect on a lot of people.

Mental health professionals say they hear it all the time: when it’s cloudy, moods sink. 

Unless it is truly depression, or seasonal affective disorder, one response might be this:

“I would say wait and expect that it’ll change. This is New England,“ said Dr. Paul Lieberman of Butler Hospital.

That may be true, but Lieberman said it’s good to put things into perspective and change our thinking.

“When you’re in a down mood, one of the things that happens is it’s hard to remember those simple facts. So, it’s helpful to talk to somebody who isn’t so badly affected by it. It’s helpful to talk to your friend or your partner or somebody that says this doesn’t bother me so much so that they can remind you, well, you’re feeling pretty crummy but last week you were out on the boat and next week you’re planning to go to the beach,“ Lieberman said.

In other words, seek out support from someone who reminds you that this too shall pass.

Lieberman suggested planning activities you like that may not involve going outdoors, such as the movies, bowling or shopping.

But if you recognize this is more than just a weather-induced mood change, you should seek professional help.