As February moves forward in Ormond Beach, we’re deep into a season that can quietly affect our mental well-being. Even with Florida’s warm weather, late winter brings unique challenges that affect residents’ well-being. This time of year is when our community needs to lean on each other the most and remember that taking care of mental health is just as important as any other aspect of wellness.
Why Late Winter Affects Mental Well-Being
Seasonal mood changes in Florida are real, even without snow. Research shows that 41% of Americans experience mood decline during the winter months, with women reporting even higher rates at 45%. By mid-February, these effects can feel more pronounced.
What happens this time of year:
Accumulated fatigue from months of reduced sunlight exposure affects mood regulation and energy levels
Post-holiday letdown leaves many feeling isolated after the busyness of December and January fades
Winter routine disruption continues to impact sleep patterns and daily habits
Vitamin D depletion builds up over time, affecting mental clarity and emotional balance
If you’re noticing persistent low mood, trouble sleeping, difficulty focusing, or pulling away from activities you usually enjoy, your mental health may need attention right now.
Mental Health Resources Available in Ormond Beach
Our community has support services ready to help. Presbyterian Counseling Center offers individual, family, and couples therapy with sliding scale fees to make care accessible to everyone who needs it.
Additional local resources include:
Elite DNA Behavioral Health provides treatment for depression, anxiety, and trauma through both in-person and telehealth appointments
Florida Counseling Space specializes in trauma-focused therapy and has served our community for over a decade
SMA Healthcare operates throughout Volusia County, with crisis intervention available around the clock
988 Florida Lifeline connects you to trained crisis counselors any time you need immediate support
Taking the step to seek help shows strength, not weakness. These resources exist because everyone deserves access to mental health support.
Building Community Support Networks
Connection is powerful medicine. Research on neighboring relationships demonstrates that giving and receiving support from people nearby reduces loneliness and improves overall mental health. The quality of these connections matters more than how many you have.
Ways to support neighbors this season:
Send a quick text to check in on someone you haven’t heard from lately
Share a walk along the beach or through Central Park when you notice someone could use company
Drop off a meal or offer to help with errands for neighbors going through tough times
Listen when someone needs to talk, without trying to fix everything
Pass along information about local support groups to anyone who might benefit
These everyday actions create a network of care that makes our entire community more resilient. When people know their neighbors are watching out for them, mental health challenges become less overwhelming.
Moving Forward Together
Talking openly about mental health removes stigma. Share your own experiences when it feels right and let others know that struggling doesn’t mean failing. The more we normalize these conversations in Ormond Beach, the easier it becomes for people to ask for help when they need it.
This late winter season is an opportunity to strengthen community bonds. Check in with yourself regularly about how you’re really doing. Notice when friends or neighbors seem different than usual. Communities thrive when people actively care for one another.
Whether you’re the one who needs support or you’re in a position to offer it, you’re part of what makes Ormond Beach a place where mental wellness is a priority. As we move through these final weeks of winter toward spring, remember that reaching out is always the right choice. Call a counselor, text a friend, knock on a neighbor’s door. Our community works best when we refuse to let anyone face their struggles alone.
Sources: psychiatry.org, presbyteriancounseling.com, volusia.floridahealth.gov, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, psychologytoday.com
Header Image Source: Marcel Strauß on Unsplash
