The Worst Of Michigan Weather Is Over; Therapists Expect An Uptick In Moods

By Christy Strawser

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) What's that bright yellow orb in the sky?

It's the sun, and believe it or not, after months of unrelenting cold, gray weather and weeks of sub-zero temperatures, it's going to make a triumphant return. And according to CBS 62 Meteorologist Jim Madaus, the warmer stuff is here to stay.

Don Zaksek, a clinical physchologist at Cruz Clinic in Livonia, said the weather makes an appreciable difference in the lightness of people's moods.

"Absolutely, we do see that for clinical depression, we see improvements, some of it is a (seasonal affective disorder) component," he said. "I also think just that people can get outdoors and join enjoyable acvivities ... We do see a lift in depression. The weather has a positive effect."

Of course, there is a clinical downside to the return of sunny skies.

"We see more cancellations," Zaksek said. "People will go and do other things that are more therapeutic than going to therapy."

Zaksek said, locally, there's a rise in depression diagnoses in January, February and March. "We see a lot more depression, the bills from the holidays come due, there's fallout from family matters ... We see a lifting in the spring."

The record-breaking cold this winter has been especially tough for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder, a depression that falls over susceptible people when they lack access to sunlight and warmth.

Victims suffer from lack of energy, depression, feelings of hopelessness, weight gain, even suicidal thoughts. It passes when spring descends.

Doctors suspect SAD happens when reduced sunlight causes a drop in serotonin and melatonin levels in the brain, both associated with feelings of happiness. Treatment includes light therapy, antidepressants and/or psychotherapy.

Spending time outdoors is also recommended, especially early in the morning on sunny days.

And there should be plenty of that on tap in upcoming weeks.

CBS 62 Meteorologist Jim Madaus said the warming trend should hold steady for the next month, with temperatures above the freezing mark for the foreseeable future. The worst lows should stay in the mid-to-upper 30s, he predicts. Check your complete forecast HERE.

"It almost makes me want to get my golf clubs out," Madaus said, laughing.

He's getting plenty of pats on the back for the feeling of relief the turnaround is having on local residents.

"I was checking out at the grocery store yesterday and they were all happy with me, all the people I walked by were saying 'We love this weather,'" Madaus said.