Before I sat down to write this, I put on a cozy sweater, made a hot cup of tea, lit a cinnamon-scented candle, and checked the weather app on my phone. The temperature is currently 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sun is set to go down at 5:07 pm. The days are shorter, the temperatures are cooler, and many people are feeling gloomy as their moods shift with the environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Dr. Norman Rosenthal, a professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical School, approximately 6 percent of the U.S. population suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD)<\/a>. SAD is a severe form of depression and must be diagnosed by a qualified professional; however, Dr. Rosenthal also says that an additional 14 percent of the U.S. population suffer from a less severe form of seasonal sadness that has been described as the winter blues. People who experience winter blues may feel depressed, sleep more than usual, self-isolate from loved ones, and lose motivation for work and\/or interest in activities they usually enjoy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If this sounds like you or your student\/child, here are some tips for making it through the dark and cold months: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You are not alone. <\/strong>If your winter blues are severe enough to significantly interfere with your relationships, work, or school, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call Hopeline NC\u2019s<\/a> crisis line at 919-231-4525 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline<\/a> at 988. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Resources + Read More<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hopeline NC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Suicide and Crisis Lifeline<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Seasonal Affective Disorder<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Exercise for Mental Health<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Endorphins: What They Are and How to Boost Them<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 5 Ways the Sun Impacts Your Mental and Physical Health<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Food to Help Fight Depression<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3 Mindful Activities to Help Students Beat the Winter Blues<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n