By Trisha Young Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service Published Jan 31, 2024 at 5:01 PM

You made it through the holidays, but now you’re in the thick of winter when those cold, dreary days may seem to last forever.

According to the American Psychological Association, or APA, it’s common for many people to feel greater amounts of fatigue and depression this time of year.

The APA attributes these feelings to a decrease in daylight hours and colder weather. 

On top of feelings of depression, many people may be dealing with financial stress from the holidays along with higher winter energy bills.

From practicing yoga to going outdoors, here’s how you can manage your mental health this winter season.

Meditation, mindfulness and yoga

Psychologists have found that meditation, mindfulness and yoga can be helpful ways to take a step back and breathe when you’re feeling out of sorts.

Yoga can also help you stay active and healthy in the cold months.

Milwaukee has lots to offer when it comes to these holistic approaches for little to no money:

Mental health resources

Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services offers resources for all ages, including a 24-hour crisis line at (414) 257-7222. More information here.

For a comprehensive list of available mental health resources and services, including LGBTQ+ services, check out this list compiled by the City of Milwaukee here. 

Healthy MKE recently launched a mental health and substance use care resource guide, which is available in five languages. Here you can easily find providers, tools and directories for mental health and substance use care  throughout Milwaukee County. More information here.

Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center offers resources and tools with a focus on Native and traditional methods of healing as well as behavioral health. More information here.

Muslim Community & Health Center has various behavioral health services. More information here.

Pathfinders is an organization that supports homeless and runaway children. It also offers mental health services alongside housing assistance. More information here.

Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers has long served Milwaukee’s South Side for most health needs, and provides comprehensive mental health care. More information here.

Vivent Health offers resources such as behavioral health services, a food pantry, needle exchange and help with housing needs. More information here.

Call IMPACT 211 at 2-1-1 for assistance with food, housing or mental health.

You can also visit in-reach sites Monday, Wednesday and Friday to speak to a housing/shelter navigator at the following locations: 

If you or a loved one are in crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.