The claim that Seattle's rainy climate increases suicide rates is largely considered a rumor.

Climate can affect depression, but the causes of suicide rates are determined by various mental health issues and social factors.

Seattle has an environment where seasonal depression can occur, but it has not been shown to have a higher suicide rate than other cities.

The importance of mental health treatment and support systems can be considered a bigger issue.

Seattle receives an average of over 150 days of rain per year and has many cloudy days in winter.

This can affect people suffering from depression or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), but it cannot be said that depression occurs more frequently in Seattle than in other areas.

Research shows that the main causes of suicide rates and depression are more significantly influenced by socioeconomic factors, mental health issues, and stress.

In Seattle, people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder use various methods to mitigate the effects of lack of sunlight:

• Light therapy: Many people use light therapy (treatment using light boxes to receive artificial sunlight) to improve their mood.
• Exercise: Exercising even in winter can improve mood.
• Social activities: Meeting with people or engaging in hobbies helps prevent depression.
• Vitamin D supplementation: On days with insufficient sunlight, people may take vitamin D supplements.

Seattle has various treatment facilities and counseling services to address mental health issues.

Those suffering from SAD or depression have many resources available for professional help. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication are effective in alleviating symptoms of SAD and depression.

While Seattle's climate can have an impact, it cannot be said that the suicide rate or depression rate is particularly high compared to other regions in the U.S.

For example, cities located in the northern or northeastern U.S., such as Boston, Chicago, and Portland, also have many people suffering from depression and SAD due to similar weather.

Therefore, this is not a unique characteristic of Seattle, and similar issues are experienced in cities where climate plays a major role. Thus, it cannot be said that Seattle's suicide rate is higher than in other areas due to its cloudy and rainy climate.

Seattle residents actively utilize light therapy, exercise, and social activities to manage SAD and depression, and the mental health treatment and support systems are well-established, allowing many people to adapt well to climate changes.