Presbyterian | Your Story | Centennial Care | Winter 2021

6 Check in on your mental health wellness this winter Your mental health is a big part of your overall health. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health illnesses have an impact on your well-being and can affect your overall health. Depression is a mental health illness that can affect how you feel, think, and act. It can affect people in different ways and at different times. The change of the seasons brings a change in weather, but it can also bring a change in mood and how you’re feeling. Things like work, stress, and the holidays can affect your mental and emotional well-being, and for some, the fall and winter months can make these feelings more extreme. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression and is related to the change in seasons, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Often, symptoms start in the fall as the weather cools down and many places have less sunlight. During the fall and winter, you might have less energy than normal and feel more moody. While many people may see a shift in mood and energy during these times, often called the “winter blues,” if these feelings affect your daily life or you can’t seem to shake it, reach out to your provider to see if you could have SAD or any other type of depression. They can help you find the right treatments and address your well-being. Work with your provider to find the best treatments, from medications, light therapy or counseling to lifestyle changes you can make. A counselor or therapist can help you address your mental health. Things like staying active, eating a healthy diet, and sleeping well can help reduce symptoms. Finding support from family and friends can also help. Talk with your provider about your mental health today. Signs of depression The signs of depression vary for different people. You may feel more sad or hopeless than you used to. You might not enjoy things like you did before. Other symptoms can include: • Unexpected weight gain or loss • Sleeping too much or too little • Being easily irritable or quick to anger • Feeling tired all the time • Feeling worthless or guilty • Thoughts of death or suicide If you or anyone you know are having any of these symptoms, contact your provider or seek help from a professional. If you are having suicidal or harmful thoughts, seek help right away. Go to the nearest emergency room or contact a crisis line. • New Mexico Crisis & Access Line, available 24/7: 1-855-662-7474 • Peer-to-Peer Warm Line, available for non-crisis calls: 1-855-466-7100 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available 24/7: 1-800-273-8255 Sources: National Institute of Mental Health; Mayo Clinic