When Daylight savings time ends, did you know that there is often a residual negative impact on mental health? In fact, we are more likely to experience a surge in stress and negative mood connected with the shorter hours of daylight we receive in the Fall. Sleep loss, altered circadian rhythms and an increase in stress hormones such as cortisol can have a severe impact our mental well-being. In fact individuals who are already diagnosed with a mental health condition are even vulnerable to experiencing psychological disruptions during this time.
During my time working in an inpatient psychiatric facility, I always witnessed the number of admissions increase in the Fall, and particularly in the month of November, following Daylight Savings time ending. The week after Halloween, there would be a predictable shift in the number of emergency calls and 5150s we would receive. I was curious as to why this shift occurred just when the hours of daylight began to shrink across the US.
Taking a look at seasonal patterns of depression, there is notably a greater number of depressed patients in the late Fall and Winter months than in Spring and Summer. The reason for this is related to a condition known as SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD influences the moods of individuals connected to fewer hours of direct sunlight, shifting levels of melatonin and suppressing important neurotransmitters, like Serotonin. SAD named appropriately, can correspond to worsening mood during this time of year.
Here are some things you can do if you notice your mood, or that of a friend or family member slumping after Fall Back.
Receive morning sunlight. If it is light outside in the morning, take a walk in the fresh air, or spend time doing your morning routine while standing near a bright sunny window.
Start to transition your sleep and wake routine. It can help to transition your sleeping hours so you may get to sleep earlier while it is dark outside, and wake up a bit earlier to start your day.
Bright Light Therapy. There has been proven benefits connected with bright light therapy to manage days with less light. You can purchase a brighter lamp for your room, which can help boost your mood.
Continue to get daily exercise. One of the best ways to improve your mood is to physically engage in exercise on a regular basis. Sometimes, it is easy to neglect a routine when the weather prevents you from getting out for a daily walk. Even if you don’t have an active gym membership, try a low key exercise such as yoga, or watch instructional cardio and weight lifting videos online (while engaging in the activity).
We hope that this inspires some awareness of the impacts of daylight savings on our mental health landscape, and access to help is available during this transitional time. Please contact us @ https://everyheartdreamscounseling.com/contact-erinneverhartlmft to receive more information about our services for receiving support for mental health issues impacted by these seasonal changes.
