Shorter days, higher costs: Why therapists say seasonal depression is hitting harder in Hampton Roads this year

NORFOLK, Va. — HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - As the holiday season is in full swing, therapists say many in Hampton Roads are feeling the weight of two pressures at once: shorter days and tighter wallets.

Clinicians across the region report a rise in patients struggling with the combination of shorter days, persistent financial instability, and holiday-related pressure to spend. Together, they say, it’s creating a perfect storm of emotional strain.

“Depression comes from pressure.”

Dariya Biarozkina , a Licensed Professional Counselor with Thriveworks , says she’s seeing a clear pattern among her clients this fall.

“When we think of the word depression, it comes from the root word pressure,” she said. “Environmental factors like financial stress, rent, and job problems add pressure. Chron