Care for Your Mental Health Alaska

(ARA) - Winter has blustered in, bringing with it darkness and cold. Even though spring is just around the corner, traveling to and from work in the darkness can leave you wishing for a tropical vacation.

For some, the change in seasons has a profound impact on their emotional state. You may not feel as peppy as you normally do or have the same energy level, and you do not want to be around people or follow your regular routine.

This could point to signs of depression that may require some level of psychotherapy or medication, according to Dr. Douglas Whiteside, director of the new Psychology Training Center at Argosy University, Seattle campus. Whiteside is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and an associate professor at the Seattle campus.

It is important to recognize the signs of depression like sad feelings, unexplained crying, poor job performance and for individuals in school, declining grades. “The stress and strain of the economy and the changing of the seasons can have a negative impact on some people’s emotional state,” Whiteside says.

Being proactive about your mental health and taking care of yourself can help address depression and mood swings. Whiteside recommends engaging in exercise, going for a walk or meeting friends or family for coffee or some fun activity. He also adds it is important to eat a balanced diet, get enough rest at night, do nice things for yourself or find a hobby to help occupy your time.

“In the fall we tend to see an increase in seasonal affective disorder and in overall stress,” says Dr. Ellen Emerson, assistant professor in the department of Behavioral Sciences at South University -- Savannah, Ga. “With decreased hours of daylight, many people go to work in the dark and return in the dark, so I often recommend that people try to get outside during their lunch break. You can benefit from as little as a 10-minute walk outside, in the daylight.”

If you sense that the season may be negatively affecting your well being, Emerson recommends that you keep a calendar and rate your overall level of stress or depression from one (none or little) to 10 (extreme). Write it on the calendar each day. If you go for 10 days to two weeks with an average of seven or eight, it is time to consult a professional. “Don’t wait too long,” says Emerson. “Depression can worsen over time. Many treatments are fairly short and can get you back on your feet quickly.”

If signs of depression appear in a family member, friend or co-worker, Whiteside recommends talking with them and encouraging them to seek help if depression persists or worsens. He also points out that the holiday season can have a major impact on depression if a person has experienced the death of a family member, close friend or a pet.

“Seeking professional help is an increasingly common practice and people should not feel anxious about seeing a psychologist for psychotherapy or taking medication for depression if it’s needed. The most important thing is to connect with a professional who can help you restore emotional balance, peace and happiness to your life,” Whiteside says.

Courtesy of ARAcontent