Mental health doesn’t always show up neatly or on a convenient schedule — and that is exactly why the Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Blue Monday Mental Health Panel. The evening was created to open honest conversation, reduce stigma, and remind people in our community that it is okay to talk about what feels heavy. Despite the weather not cooperating, our community showed up with openness and intention, helping shine a light on a topic that affects more people than we often realize. The purpose of the evening was best captured in the words shared during the event’s opening remarks by Jamie Popson, Brookville Chamber Executive Director: “Today is Blue Monday — the third Monday in January. A day often called the ‘most difficult day of the year.’ For many people, it’s more than just a date on the calendar. It’s the weight of grief, the pressure of credit card bills now due after the holidays, the disappointment of New Year’s resolutions that didn’t stick, the lingering winter blues, emotional exhaustion, or simply the vague feeling that something is… just off. For many of us, it’s easy to push these feelings aside with a simple ‘I’ll be fine’ or ‘It’ll blow over.’ I wanted this evening to be different. Not a traditional lecture. Judgment. Pity. Or ‘here’s what the book says.’ This is a real event, for real people, talking about real feelings. This is about acknowledging that it’s okay to not feel okay, and giving a space to explore what that means.” From there, the conversation was turned over to the panel — Kevin Wilson, DO, and Kelley Chilson, Psy.D., both with Penn Highlands Healthcare, and Scott Rendos, Director of Outpatient Services at the Community Guidance Center and Chairman of the Clearfield Jefferson Suicide Prevention Team. They led a thoughtful, compassionate discussion that touched on questions from the audience, shared insights, and offered practical ways we can support ourselves and one another. One of the first topics was the noticeable rise in depression and anxiety. Rural living has its benefits but isolation, limited transportation, and long stretches of overcast winter weather can contribute to emotional strain. Screening for anxiety is now beginning as early as eight years old, reinforcing the importance of early identification. Earlier intervention can significantly improve long-term quality of life, helping individuals build resilience before symptoms become overwhelming. Mental health stigma was another key theme. The long-standing belief that struggling emotionally is a weakness or replaced with “suck it up” mentality. Mental health is health — and recognizing when you need support, talking openly, and seeking help are signs of strength, not failure. The conversation also turned to the role of social media and news consumption in mental health. Modern algorithms are designed to keep users engaged, often by amplifying emotionally charged or negative content. While positive posts may earn a quick reaction or none at all, controversial or upsetting stories tend to generate stronger engagement through comments and shares. Over time, constant exposure to these triggers can increase anxiety, stress, and emotional fatigue. It was recommended to take intentional breaks, limit exposure to negative content, and actively “rewire” your algorithms by engaging with content that feels positive or grounding. And a little side note from your friends at the Chamber: Boost your mood AND your local businesses at the same time — it’s science! Like a post from a local business, comment “yum” on a local eatery’s photo, share the boutique’s new item, and sprinkle a little love across your feed. It’s cheaper than therapy, easier than a workout, and yes… officially counts as community-supported dopamine. Another focus was understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression linked to changes in seasons and reduced sunlight, particularly during long winter months. SAD affects a measurable portion of the population and is more than just the “winter blues” — it’s a mood disorder where symptoms can include low energy, sadness, changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulty functioning during darker months. Here in Western Pennsylvania, we experience an estimated 59 to 160 sunny days per year, making seasonal mood shifts more common than many people realize. Panelists discussed treatment options including therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and increased light exposure as effective ways to manage symptoms. One guest posed a question many people quietly ask themselves: How do I know if I’m experiencing depression — or if I’m just going through something? To help distinguish between SAD, clinical depression, and situational low moods, our panel emphasized this: if symptoms are persistent, interfere with daily life, or feel overwhelming, talking with a therapist or doctor is a great first step. Recognizing patterns, especially if these show up year after year, can help you and your healthcare provider create a personalized plan. If you do notice a pattern, planning ahead in the fall with preventative strategies can make winters feel more manageable before the heaviness sets in. Light therapy was highlighted as an accessible and relatively inexpensively option. A light box that emits 10,000 lux of brightness for even 10 minutes a day, particularly in the morning, can help regulate mood-related brain chemicals that are affected by low natural sunlight. The discussion also explored the gut-brain axis, the connection between our digestive system and our brain. In simple terms, the gut and the brain are constantly communicating through hormones, nerves, and chemical messengers that affect mood and stress. When someone has high or low blood sugar, chronic fatigue, kidney disease, and other medical conditions, it can directly influence their emotional well-being. Paying attention to nutrition, blood sugar balance, and overall physical health supports better mood regulation, too. “Bounce-back mood” — how quickly we recover after illness matters. Prolonged isolation during or after being sick, especially following the flu or other seasonal illnesses, can worsen low mood and anxiety. Preventing illness when possible, staying lightly connected, and returning to routine gradually can help support emotional recovery. The group shared a knowing laugh about how germs
