A time is near that causes anxiety in the hearts of many of us. No, we’re not talking about Halloween, but Daylight Savings Time. Many individuals find the shortening of daylight in the waning days of fall and winter creates a real case of the “blaahs.” 

Most people adjust to the changes in a few days, but for millions of others around the world, it becomes a time for months-long seasonal depression. It is referred to as Seasonal Affective Syndrome (SAD) and has many of the same symptoms of other types of depression; e.g., poor concentration, persistent fatigue, feelings of sadness, sleep disturbance – even thoughts of suicide.

If you notice emotional and physical changes that affect your wellbeing primarily or solely during fall and winter, you may wish to consult a health professional for evaluation and treatment. Treatments may include medications, light therapy, and/or talk therapy.

For individuals who have milder symptoms, or to supplement treatment for individuals who have more ongoing mental health problems, the famed Mayo Clinic offers several tips for enhancing wellbeing during the “blaahs.”

They include:

Stay physically active to reduce anxiety.

Spend at least 15-20 minutes outside when the sun is shining to adjust your internal clock.

Keep curtains and blinds open and sit near a window to bring more natural light inside.

Maintain healthy sleep habits; i.e., keep consistent sleeping times, for 7-9 hours per night and avoid excessive napping.

Interact more with others, as depression can lead to social isolation.

Take thoughtful care of yourself; e.g., eat healthy meals, avoid alcohol or drugs, practice relaxation exercises such as deep breathing or meditation.

We wish all our readers a holiday season that is calm, productive, and very merry!