With the end of daylight savings time quickly approaching (Sunday 11/3 in case you forgot), this is a good time not only to check those batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but it is also a good time to check in on our mental health! Waking up in the dark combined with the sun setting before the workday ends can really take a toll.
While 20% of adults are likely to experience the winter blues, as many as 5% will experience more serious Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is accompanied by more severe depressive symptoms affecting everything from mood and sleep to energy and appetite. Untreated, SAD can have significant impacts on physical health, relationships, and daily functioning.
If you think you may suffer from SAD or if the winter blues get you down, talk to your mental healthcare provider. Sometimes a little supplemental Vitamin D is all that is needed (most of us living north of Atlanta are deficient). Other treatment options may include light therapy, psychotherapy, and/or anti-depressant medications. The most important thing to remember is that this condition is highly treatable and you can get ahead of it.
So, as this weekend approaches, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working, but also take the time to check your mental health battery as we head into the darkest months of the year!