It’s that time of year again in the Northern Hemisphere when the sun is setting earlier, and the field crickets are getting louder, foretelling of shorter, darker days ahead.

Do you suffer from SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder like I do? No matter how healthy our lifestyle, we cannot control the light. It is a non-modifiable risk factor that puts us at risk for the blues and/or depression as we face darker days (literally).

So, what can we do about it? Well, we can intervene NOW to head-off the approaching detrimental effects. How? By making an appointment with our doctor and discussing it. Despite a healthy lifestyle, adequate support system, talk therapy, and even a light box, sometimes medication like an SSRI to raise serotonin levels is needed. You should not and do not have to suffer.

Discuss the treatment options for SAD with your doctor. Make the call now before symptoms wreak havoc in your life. If you live in the US and do not have a doctor, and/or need help, call one of the numbers below.

In the meantime, get offline right now and get some fresh air and exercise. Take a walk. I promise it will make you feel better.

With much love,

Kelly

Copyright © Kelly Huntson and kellyhuntson.com All rights reserved.

*For additional information, see my original post on SAD here.

~

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is an easy and anonymous way to locate treatment facilities and other resources, such as support groups and counselors to treat and manage depression.

National Help Line:

1-800-662-4357

If your depression is leading to suicidal thoughts, call the National Hopeline to connect with a depression treatment center in your area. The Hopeline also offers a live chat feature for those who don’t want to (or are unable to) call and can dispatch emergency crews to your location if necessary.

National Hopeline Network:

1-800-784-2433