Rainy Winter Is Seen Taking Toll on Psyche

Just as surely as the recent storms have toppled hillsides and flooded fields, the rainy winter also has taken a significant toll on the psyche of those who have endured it, Ventura County mental health officials said.

County mental health workers say they have been struggling this winter to help local residents cope with the rain. And they are dealing with more than just the rainy day blues.

Rain can keep people out of work and cause problems for those who depend on public transportation. It inflames arthritic joints and prevents people from getting therapeutic exercise. The result, experts said, is that the rain creates more difficulties for people who are already depressed.

“It’s one thing to wake up in the morning and say, ‘Aw, man, it’s raining,’ and quite another thing to say, ‘Aw, man, I wish I wasn’t alive anymore,’ ” said Margot Miglins, supervisor of the county’s mental health clinic for Simi Valley and Moorpark.

County Chief Psychologist Richard Reinhart said an estimated 10,000 county residents suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a form of depression triggered by short days and long nights of winter. Overcast days and stormy weather can contribute to the depression, he said.

“There is a certain amount of gloom. You look out the window, and the sky is gray and leaden, and the green of the trees is kind of on the simpering side as opposed to the sparkling side,” Reinhart said.

Mental health professionals said mild rainy day blues are normal, but that those feeling truly hopeless should get help.

The most common problem, though, is a tendency to feel glum, experts said.

Miglins said counselors at the East County mental health clinic have discussed rain-related issues with more than half of the clinic’s 200 patients. “It’s definitely had an impact,” Miglins said.

County mental health workers also have been busy helping those left homeless by the La Conchita landslide and the January floods.

The most acute recent problems were at La Conchita, where two county mental heath workers have been offering assistance daily from 8 a.m. to midnight, mingling with residents and helping them cope with the disaster.

One major problem has been the uncertainty of knowing when--or if--the hill will slide, said Bob Benedetto, disaster coordinator for the county mental health clinics.

“It’s just been dragging on, and that has been a real source of anxiety for people,” Benedetto said.

The psychologists said they try to get patients to see the rainbows amid the downpour.

“We tend to forget that rain can be wonderful for the environment. There are many ways to enjoy the day, even in the rain,” Miglins said.

Reinhart said a rainy day can be a welcome opportunity to nestle in a cozy house. Besides, he said, “when the sun shines, you’re going to look up and see green-carpeted hillsides.”