TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — November is here, bringing colder weather, falling leaves, and the holidays are right around the corner.
This can leave people stressed and feeling a particular type of way this season. As the weather turns colder, some people may find themselves struggling with excess loneliness or sadness and the Hamilton Center is just one of the many resources across the Wabash Valley, here to help.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or seasonal depression, can happen in any season, but is more common during the fall and winter months. There are many causes, such as a decrease in serotonin, which means the daylight hours are shorter, so we receive less sunlight. At the same time, we have increased melatonin, which causes tiredness and a desire to sleep more.
“You’re not alone. Many people find assistance with reaching out to others, getting that support, being around other people. Not feeling isolated is a key,” said Emily Owens, Chief of Hamilton Center Clinical Outreach.
Other ways to shake this feeling are to move your body. Some things recommended are participating in your favorite hobby, calling a family member, taking a walk to breathe in fresh air, or journaling your emotions to get them out of your head.
“With the winter months, the holidays, sometimes people get overly stressed. Their expectations of themselves are higher and also missing loved ones actually. Having a grief process come back for those relatives or loved ones that they have lost, during this time of the holiday season,” said Owens.
Other things to help are staying hydrated and, if needed, talking to a professional. The Hamilton Center has a help line at (800) 743-0787.
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