COEUR d’ALENE — To stay upbeat during North Idaho's long and dark winters, Chloe Ramirez of Coeur d’Alene makes her own sunshine by finding other sources of warmth, like tanning, steam rooms and saunas.

For Ramirez, winter isn’t all bad.

“I’m a winter sports person, so that’s what gets me through,” Ramirez said.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 11 million people in the U.S. suffer from some degree of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is characterized by depressive symptoms that are brought on by seasonal changes.

People in Idaho are especially susceptible to developing SAD symptoms because the sun’s rays are too weak past the 37th parallel north to trigger natural vitamin D production in people, according to Morgan Chojnacki, a diet and nutrition specialist with University of Washington Medicine.

Vitamin D is believed to boost serotonin activity, while lower serotonin levels are directly attributed to depressive symptoms.

Not to mention, sunshine is rare in the winter in North Idaho. 

As winter trudges on, locals are determined to “make their own sunshine,” as Jennifer Leedy of Coeur d’Alene put it.

“I make sure to get outside. Even when it’s dark and cold I’ll make sure to take a walk,” Leedy said.

Leedy admitted that motivation can sometimes be as scarce as sunlight this time of year.

“Sometimes it takes me half an hour to find the motivation,” she said. “But once it hits, you have to grab that window of motivation and just go.”

Combining physical activity with community is also a big boost for many during a season when it can be tempting to isolate.

“Camaraderie and support are so important,” said Tabby Mabrey, a personal trainer with PEAK Fitness. “People leave here happier than when they came in.”

“Dance classes and Pilates give me something to look forward to,” said Jasdeep Kaur of Coeur d’Alene. “They give me that dopamine hit.”

And there is some good news — forecasts are suggesting some sunshine in the upcoming days.