Has your mood taken a downward turn now that the nights are longer and the daylight hours much shorter?
If this describes you, you may benefit from increasing your exposure to daylight, especially in the mornings before noon.
However, if you have to spend most mornings indoors due to school, work, or caregiving duties, then you might want to talk to your doctor or therapist about light therapy.
Light therapy is using really bright light to treat seasonal symptoms of low moods and depression. You can buy light therapy lamps online and at some big box retailers. Look for lamps that give off 10,000 lux (a measure of intensity or brightness of light). And be sure to ask your provider about how long and when to use your light therapy lamp.
A brighter mood may be just a light switch away.
Be well!
Teresa
Teresa Heald LCSW, MSW, ASDCS
