Alaska troops face winter mood crash

The shortening of daylight hours in Alaska brings a tangible shift in physical conditions for residents, but for many in the military community, it triggers a chemical change in brain chemistry. This seasonal transition marks the beginning of a period where freezing temperatures coincide with a rise in mental health challenges. The impact is particularly pronounced for service members and their families who are already managing the stress of deployment and relocation.

The prevalence of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Alaska exceeds national averages. The American Psychiatric Association estimates that 1 in 20 Americans experience this form of depression. In Alaska, the rate rises to approximately 1 in 10 residents. Lisa Lindquist of the Southcentral Foundation describes the condition as major depressive episodes that recur with a specific seasonal pattern.

Symptoms associated with the disorder include sleep disturbances, low energy levels, irritability, and anxiety. Individuals may also report feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. These physical and emotional responses compound the existing pressures faced by military personnel stationed in the state.

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic identifies deployment cycles as a key factor in this risk. These cycles frequently disrupt the circadian rhythms of service members. When biological disruption intersects with the onset of Alaska's winter, the likelihood of seasonal depression increases. MaryBeth Goodman, the clinic's director, notes that the military community faces multiple stressors as the season changes.

Goodman states that the transition involves saying goodbye to sunlight and hello to cold. She warns that military members, family members, children, and veterans may struggle with dark thoughts during this time. The change in season can also trigger memories of past traumas, particularly for those who have not completed therapeutic work.

Normal winter behaviors, such as staying indoors and wearing heavy clothing, can evolve into unhealthy isolation. Troops and family members may stop attending social events or leaving their homes. This withdrawal exacerbates the effects of the season and makes it harder to maintain a sense of normalcy.

The Cohen Clinic provides resources for those affected, including individual and group therapy, case management, and community connections. The clinic operates locations in Fairbanks and Anchorage and offers services in person or via CVN Telehealth. Goodman emphasizes that mental healthcare is a standard part of medical treatment.

She notes that stigma often prevents people from seeking help for symptoms like suicidal thoughts. Goodman says, 'Mental healthcare is absolutely healthcare. But somehow in mental health, when someone says, Yes, Ive struggled with suicidality in the past, Ive struggled with thoughts about wanting to hurt myself, somehow we forget that thats just a symptom.'

Alaska has one of the highest suicide rates in the country. The U.S. Army reported that at least 29 service members in Alaska died by suicide between 2018 and 2021. This data has prompted ongoing efforts to expand behavioral health support and improve quality of life across military installations.

Support is available through multiple channels, including community resources and hotlines. Goodman points to the 273 Talk line, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Veteran Crisis Line, and Vets for Warriors. The 988 line connects callers with trained counselors free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.