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It has been about 45 days since summer came to an end and kids went back to school. Life isn’t necessarily any more difficult this time of year, but you just don’t feel as happy. You try your best to be positive, but it seems just getting up in the morning and making it through the day is almost impossible without feeling blue. Sometimes you want to lie in bed a little longer or go to bed a little earlier just to take a break from the doldrums. You may have even noticed a lack of interest in your favorite hobbies and pastimes. In fact, it feels like this time of year is one deep sigh after another.
Seasonal affective disorder is a real diagnosis. There is a large portion of our population that struggles with this condition, which has the ironic acronym SAD. But why do we feel sad in the late fall and early winter months? The reasons are actually quite logical and scientifically proven.
As we enter the beginning of winter, we notice the days are shorter and the nights are longer. There is less sunshine, which contributes directly to our health and well-being. When your mother used to tell you to go outside and get sunshine, it wasn’t just to get you out of the house. There is scientific research that shows how sunshine actually helps our mood, as well as our body. In fact, vitamin D is an essential micronutrient that can only be produced internally, in the presence of sunshine on our skin. Less sunshine means less vitamin D. Vitamin D contributes directly to our ability to fight off disease. In general, sunshine just helps us feel better and more positive, as if the sun itself brightens our day literally and figuratively.
The body has a system of circadian rhythms as well. The circadian rhythm affects our sleep patterns among other things. It is natural for the body to want to sleep when it’s dark and be awake when it’s bright. It only makes sense that less sunlight affects our circadian rhythms to some extent, making us drowsy, and in some cases, making it difficult to get up in the morning. When we feel sleepy our nervous system is actually depressed. It’s not the same as depression, but in many ways, feeling lethargic or tired is just your body trying to let you know it needs a little more sleep. These things are common, and once we understand how the body works, and the effect light has on us, we can take steps to feel a little better.
Here are a few tips to help you out during these darker months.
At Thriveworks North Little Rock, we accept all major insurance plans to keep your cost low. Our therapists are experts in their field, and they are professionally licensed. They can provide the best care for you. If seasonal affective disorder or other forms of depression are keeping you down, go ahead and make that call today at 501-397-1015. Feel free to call us with questions and comments, even if you’re not yet sure about an appointment.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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Shown in CT
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Friday | 8:00am - 9:30pm | |
Saturday | 8:00am - 6:00pm |
Shown in CT
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