October can be a tough month for our mental health. With school and work in full swing, it's easy to feel OVERWHELMED and STRESSED! With the shorter days, the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorders) blues don't help. It's like we're all caught in a chaotic STORM of stress and gloom. But, amidst all this chaos, here's the good news: a teenager (yes, you read that right!) will be sharing 3 Practical Tips for Helping us Stay Afloat through the October Blues. Interested? Read more below!
Have you ever felt the October blues? This seasonal sadness, often linked to shorter days and cooler weather, is a common experience! If you're feeling down, remember there are ways to cope that can help us spark our inner joy, even if it's not the summer sun outside. We can create our own sunshine. The October blues contribute to the overwhelming times as we get back to our work and school routines, so for World Mental Health Day this October 10th, these practical strategies I will be sharing can help us uplift and get us through the winter!
October can be a particularly challenging month for mental health. As we transition back into the demands of school and work, it's common to experience feelings of stress and overwhelm. Additionally, shorter days and decreased sunlight can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), leading to low mood, decreased energy, and increased sleepiness. A recent study highlighted the significant impact of stress on overall health, with approximately 70% of adults reporting negative health effects such as feeling overwhelmed and experiencing sleep disturbances. Adolescents are also affected, with over 50% reporting fatigue and tiredness.
What is the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs seasonally, typically during the fall and winter months. It's often linked to decreased exposure to sunlight. People with SAD may experience some symptoms such as:
Low mood
Decreased energy
Increased sleepiness
Overeating
Difficulty concentrating
Social withdrawal
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of SAD, it's important to seek help. With the right treatment, SAD can be managed effectively.
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Creating Our Own Sun While Enjoying the Fall Season:
Remember that even though the days are shorter and the weather is cooler, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the fall season.
World Mental Health Day (10/10)
World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10th each year, is an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote mental well-being. It's a chance to challenge stigma, encourage help-seeking, and support those who are struggling.
Normalize the Feeling It's important to remember that it's okay to feel down or stressed, especially during challenging times like the fall. By normalizing these feelings, we can reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help if they need it. Talking about our experiences can help us feel less alone and more connected to others.
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3 Tips for Helping us Stay Afloat through the October Blues:
To-Do Lists:
We all heard of to-do lists before, but how can we make them useful, not just overwhelming? We can determine which tasks are most urgent and important by considering deadlines, impact, and dependencies. For example, if you have a project due next week, it would be a high-priority task. And we can divide big projects into smaller, more manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. This can help you stay focused and make progress more easily.
Vent/Express:
Sometimes we need those people to who we can vent out everything in our minds, but how can we open up? Starting by acknowledging and naming your emotions honestly to understand and address them effectively. This can help you avoid bottling up your feelings, which can lead to stress and anxiety. Share your thoughts with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist to receive support and guidance. Talking to someone you trust can help you feel less alone.
Looking Forward to the Event:
Feeling down? In those situations, it can really help to plan a movie night or a night-out with friends, so you can have something to look forward to. Mark the days until the event to build anticipation and excitement. This can help you stay motivated and focused on the positive aspects of the event. Decide what you'll wear or do to make the most of the event and ensure you have everything you need. This can help you feel more prepared and excited for the event.
What are your thoughts on the October blues? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
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Looking for the perfect present to share with friends and family, or even yourself? Consider my Emotion Cards and Uplift Teens Today book! These gifts can help in the journey towards better mental health. Great thoughtful and kind gifts.
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