RICHMOND, VA - As Friday marks World Mental Health Day, and shorter days and colder temperatures start to settle in, mental health professionals are reminding the community about seasonal depression and ways to combat it.

Kendra Charles with RVA Counseling said while it’s perfectly normal to want to hibernate during the colder months, about 5% of the population experiences seasonal depression that begins returning this time of year.

“Sleeping a lot, and overeating, wanting to stay in bed, wanting to stay inside, not wanting to do things,” Charles said, describing common symptoms.

People with seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, typically feel these low emotions for about 40% of the year.

Charles said the loss of sunlight plays a significant factor, especial

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