49 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Autumn is a beautiful time of year in Charleston, when we can look forward to a break from the heat and humidity, enjoy a football game and a pumpkin spice latte and display our favorite “Happy Fall Y’all!” décor. But the truth is that fall isn’t always happy for everyone. With back-to-school in full swing, holidays just around the corner and work ramping up before the end of the fiscal year, many women find their mental health suffering under the weight of so much stress. Moreover, cooling temperatures and less daylight tend to move the party indoors, leaving less time to soak up that feel-good vitamin D. For some women, fall marks the beginning of mood changes caused by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In fact, research shows that SAD is more common in women and younger people. Shorter days throw off the circadian rhythms and impact mental health for those sensitive to it. Symptoms of SAD might include: • Low energy • Less interest in activities you usually enjoy • Changes in weight • Insomnia • Difficulty concentrating • Depression • Suicidal thoughts Because SAD occurs during a relatively short period of the year, it is important to start prevention about two months before the onset of symptoms to best support your mental health. If you’ve experienced low mood, lack of energy, difficulty sleeping or any of the other symptoms listed above in winters past, now is the time to talk with your doctor about ways to care for yourself in the months ahead, whether you explore antidepressants, therapy, vitamin D supplements or light therapy. Beat the Fall Funk Protecting your mental health BY HEATHER ROSE ARTUSHIN, LISW-CP Charleston Women in Wellness
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