 Friday, November 15, 2024
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Tips help you to prep your body and mind for the dark days of winter
 As the days get shorter and there is less daylight, you may start to feel sad. While many people experience the “winter blues,” some people may have a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
The first step is to determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.
Do you have mild symptoms that have lasted less than two weeks?
- Feeling down but still able to take care of yourself and others
- Having some trouble sleeping
- Having less energy than usual but still able to do your job, schoolwork, or housework
These activities can make you feel better
- Doing something you enjoy
- Going outside in the sunlight
- Spending time with family and friends
- Eating healthy and avoiding foods with lots of sugar
If these activities do not help or your symptoms are getting worse, talk to a health care provider.
Do you have more severe symptoms that have lasted more than two weeks?
- Social withdrawal
- Oversleeping
- Gaining weight
- Craving foods with lots of sugar like cakes, candies, and cookies
Seek professional help
- Light therapy
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Medications
- Vitamin D supplements
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also visit our Community Mental Health Services webpage for a listing of mental health resources.
Are you looking for a wellness provider? Visit Mental Health Lou for a listing of local professionals.
-- Courtesy of the National Institutes of Health
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Wellness fair shines a light on mental health
 Did you know that our mental wellness is just as important as our physical health?:
- More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness.
- Among youth aged 13 to 18, many struggle with debilitating mental health issues.
- About 1 in 25 U.S. adults live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
We invite you to learn more about strategies that will boost your mental wellbeing, including mindfulness, therapy and exercise at our Mental Health Wellness Resource Fair. Our free event kicks off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Family Life Center of Canaan Christian Church, 2840 Hikes Lane.
You'll have the opportunity to connect with various vendors, mental health providers, clinicians, and community outreach representatives. Refreshments will be available.
Class is in session: Learn key info about Naloxone
 Learn about the proper methods and timing for administering Naloxone (Narcan), an over-the-counter treatment for opioid overdoses, at the Naloxone 101 training offered by the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness.
The interactive training will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Bon Air Library, 2816 Del Rio Place.
Participants will also receive free Narcan to take home following the program.
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