Shortly we will be coming upon that time of year when daylight savings time ends, and it gets darker earlier. The seasonal ritual of rolling the clock back by an hour feels better than when we move it forward, but once we experience the darkness setting in when it is still afternoon, our mood darkens. This feeling might linger and is only exacerbated as we head toward the holidays. Though a joyous time for many, for others the holidays only manage to create a deeper feeling of depression. The holidays can create so much pressure and loneliness. A recent Forbes article found that millennials are a lonely generation, which is no surprise given that they have grown up surrounded by the wonder that is the Internet and surrounded by the explosion of social media, a medium in which nobody is really authentically connecting.
Are you feeling lonely or depressed? Here are some indicators that you likely need to talk to a counselor or primary care doctor:
- Sleep disturbance—not enough sleep or too much sleep
- Interest—diminished interest in things you once found pleasurable
- Guilt—excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Energy—loss of energy or fatigue
- Concentration—poor concentration or forgetfulness
- Appetite changes—loss of appetite or increased appetite
- Psychomotor changes—agitation (anxious) or slowing (lethargic)
- Suicide—suicidal thoughts or thinking
If you have five or more of the above symptoms during a 2-week period, please contact a counselor or doctor to get some help. If you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, please call 1-800-273-8255 right away. It is really important to pay attention to how you feel as we move toward the holidays. Mending Hearts Counseling serves the greater Fort Collins area including the surrounding cities of Greeley, Windsor, and Loveland. Contact us at 970-545-1111 to schedule an appointment.
