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Fayetteville mental health clinician weighs in on combating seasonal depression

Fayetteville Observer - 12/21/2021

Dec. 21—As the days become shorter and people are exposed to less sunlight, some may be dealing with seasonal affective disorder, commonly known as seasonal depression, a mental health professional said.

"Most people know that they have it because they know that during the late fall, early winter is during the time where they feel themselves dragging or they recognize that they're down during that period," said Jennifer Lamberth, a licensed clinical mental health clinician with Fayetteville Family Life Center.

Here are six ways Lamberth recommends battling seasonal depression.

Getting some sunlight before it gets dark is a good way to combat seasonal depression. The Fayetteville area has plenty of parks to take a walk and get some fresh air.

Finding some activities indoors to distract themselves can also be helpful.

"Some people do crafts like knitting and crocheting and things like that or finding a puzzle; something to keep them occupied and distracted from thinking about how they're depressed," Lamberth said.

According to Lambert light therapy involves using a special light that has special bulbs that give off the same type of sensation as being in the sun.

Bright lights that resemble sunlight are available at retailers such as Amazon and Walmart for as low as about $35.

If you're unable to afford the sun lamps, Lambert recommends using brighter light bulbs and opening the curtains.

Getting an adequate amount of sleep is also important when experiencing seasonal depression.

People should get on "a schedule where they get up and they can maintain their circadian rhythm and get enough sleep," she said.

Exercise can also help with seasonal depression, even mild forms of exercise. Lamberth advises walking, signing up for an exercise program or going to a gym where you can interact with others.

"The endorphins from exercise helps to increase the serotonin in the brain," she said. "It also can be a distraction because if you go out walking the exercise makes you feel better because it puts you in a different environment."

Seeking help from a mental health professional can also be beneficial when battling seasonal depression.

"If you are trying to do all of the above and it's more difficult for you, no matter what you do it's hard for you to get past the sadness and feeling down, then you might want to reach out to a professional, someone who can help through cognitive behavior therapies and other interventions," Lamberth said.

Staff writer Akira Kyles can be reached at akyles@gannett.com.

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