As daylight dwindles and holiday expenses climb, Hampton Roads therapists say more people are overwhelmed. Financial stress is intensifying seasonal depression.
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. Chronic stress from high rent doesn’t just affect your wallet — it affects your mood.”
She says that while seasonal depression typically peaks each winter as sunlight decreases, inflation and cost-of-living concerns are now amplifying those symptoms.
“It definitely increases the rates of seasonal depression and contributes to regular depression,” she said. “Those factors are very big, especially this time of year.”
Coping skills aren’t the issue; access is
Therapists commonly recommend coping techniques like exercise, consistent routines, socializing, or using light therapy lamps. However, Biarozkina says many people already know these tools; they just can’t use them.
“People come in and say, ‘I know coping skills. I don’t know how to practice them,” she said. “Someone working two jobs might know they need seven hours of sleep or time for a walk, but they barely make it.”
Even simple suggestions, a gym membership, decorating with bright lights, or maintaining a schedule, become unrealistic for people stretched thin financially or working irregular hours.
“When you’re choosing between buying food and paying an electricity bill, people aren’t thinking about coping strategies. They’re thinking about survival,” she said.
Holiday expectations add another layer
With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, Biarozkina says many families feel cultural or family pressure to spend money they don’t have.
“I see people who are severely anxious because holidays are coming,” she said. “They may not value materialistic gifts themselves, but their families do. And they fear being judged if they can’t keep up.”
Parents often experience guilt when they can’t afford birthday gifts, holiday presents, or children’s school necessities.
“I have people who feel depressed because they say, ‘If I didn’t have financial problems, my depression would go away,’” she said. “For some, finances don’t just contribute to depression; they cause it.”
Financial stress is no longer a reflection of personal failure
Biarozkina says one of the biggest burdens her clients face is shame, especially those who grew up hearing that financial struggle meant poor work ethic or bad decision-making.
“It’s not correlated by any means,” she said. “You can be a highly educated, excellent worker doing everything right and still not be able to cover bills.”
She added that this pressure is especially intense for men who are raised to believe they should be the sole provider.
“No regular working man, even with a good profession, can support a family on one income anymore,” she said. “And that’s depressing for a lot of people.”
The small things that can help
Biarozkina encourages people to focus on what’s within their control instead of what isn’t.
Being honest with friends and family about financial limitations
Finding no-cost ways to socialize, such as attending free community events
Prioritizing rest, without guilt
Using light therapy lamps or decorating with bright colors, if possible
Spending time outside, even briefly
Seeking connection and sharing experiences
“Rest is not something you should feel ashamed of,” she said. “Sleep is a medicine. Quality time with loved ones is a medicine.”
She also recommends helping others, even in small ways, as a way to feel connected and grounded. “Go see what other people are going through. Helping others makes you feel good and less alone.”
‘You’re not alone’
More than anything, Biarozkina says seasonal depression mixed with financial stress is a universal experience, not a personal failure.
“It’s okay to feel this way,” she said. “It happens to a lot of us. Don’t isolate. Don’t give up. And remember, we can only do our best. Some things are outside of our control.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, therapists recommend reaching out to a trusted friend or a licensed professional.
Mental Health Resources in Hampton Roads
Crisis / Emergency Resources
Suicide & Mental Health Crisis Hotline: Dial 988 — 24/7 local and national crisis support.
Norfolk Community Services Board – Emergency Services: 757-664-7690
Hampton-Newport News CSB – 24/7 Crisis Line: 757-788-0011
Region Five Crisis Receiving Center (CRC): 24/7 walk-in for behavioral health crisis (ages 18+), transportation available. Call 757-656-7755.
YWCA South Hampton Roads – 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (for interpersonal violence, trauma): 757-251-0144
Local / Community Mental Health Services
Norfolk Community Services Board (CSB)
Adult Intake & Substance Use Services: 757-756-5600
Address: 7447 Central Business Park Dr, Norfolk, VA 23513
ACT Services – VA Empowerment Center
Intensive community-based mental health care (crisis support, therapy, substance use, housing help) in Chesapeake, Portsmouth & Suffolk.
Community Stabilization Services (Compass VA)
Youth & Child Mental Health
Support & Peer Groups
Specialized / Other Services
Other Helpful Resources