Outsmarting Seasonal Depression With Dr. Hannah Nearney

We’re getting ready to turn back our clocks this weekend, and for some people, the shorter days can spark mental health challenges. In this episode, host Paula Felps sits down with Dr. Hannah Nearney, a clinical psychiatrist and medical director at Flow Neuroscience, about the mental health challenges that arise during seasonal changes — particularly the onset of winter. Dr. Hannah explains how shorter days and reduced sunlight can disrupt circadian rhythms and neurotransmitter balance, then discusses the importance of proactive strategies like light therapy and changes in lifestyle to better manage symptoms.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How seasonal changes affect brain chemistry and mood regulation.
• The difference between winter blues and clinical seasonal depression.
• Practical tools and practices to protect your mental health as the days get shorter.