According to the calendar, we just came through the darkest weeks of the year, Nov. 16 through Jan. 22, when the days are short, nights are long and temperatures are cold.
It's no wonder the medical community recognizes SAD (seasonal affective disorder) as “a type of depression related to changes in seasons.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms start in the fall and continue through winter, sapping energy and causing poor moods.
All sorts of remedies are suggested, ranging from more outdoor time, more sleep, healthier foods and other self-care tips.
But brain health professionals note that January can be difficult for reasons not related to daylight or weather.
For one thing, the holidays are behind us.
After weeks of gearing up for celebrations, the parties are now over, and our credit card bills have arrived.
In fact, the third Monday in January is dubbed “Blue Monday,” for being the most depressing day of the year, thanks to post-holiday blues and financial strain, in addition to weather.
For all these reasons, January is also “Mental Wellness Month,” dedicated to raising awareness and promoting practices that support mental wellness.
One of the key messages focuses on the importance of self-care, which entails exercise and nutrition and rest — which also alleviate SAD symptoms.
But Mental Wellness Month is also about making brain health a priority. It’s not an indulgence but a necessity for overall well-being.
We wouldn’t apologize for taking a day off to heal from the flu; the same should be true for a mental wellness day, if needed.
And we need to create a supportive environment where we can seek brain health care without fear of judgment.
As we observe the final days of Mental Wellness Month, let’s consider making our brain health a priority not just for January, but for the entire year.
In doing so, brighter days lie ahead, not just for daylight, but for our health and well-being.
