The Holiday season means colder temperatures and shorter days, Thanksgiving is around the corner and Christmas celebrations follow close behind. The season brings many things to be grateful for but it is also the time of year when Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) rises to the surface for individuals.
Ed Lacheta, Mental Health Director for Shelby County Community Services says the the season changing is not creating times of stress and anxiety for no reason, he explains there are physical changes that affect one's mood.
Ed Lacheta explains that these feelings of sadness or being unfulfilled are not the “winter blues”, Lacheta says these are real stress responses, making it difficult for people to function in all aspects of their lives.
There are ways to combat the feelings of Season Effective Disorder. Physical activity releases endorphins to stabilize a person's mood, medication is offered in certain cases, and working with a therapist is a healthy way to cope with depression, says Lacheta.
To reach a mental health professional in an emergency contact the 988 crisis line. For 24/7 access to mental health help contact 866-5672400.
Ed Lacheta appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown studios in Shelbyville.
