Los Angeles Psychologist On How To Have Hope As The Days Shorten

As October rolls on, have you found yourself feeling more depressed as the days get shorter? Does it feel as if you’re “moodier” or more “down” as it becomes night earlier and earlier? If so, you aren’t alone. Indeed, studies have shown that millions of Americans deal with what’s called “Seasonal Affective Disorder” which is a “type of depression related to changes in the seasons.” That said, you don’t need to have “SAD” to feel depressed this time of year. Dr. Yvonne Thomas, Los Angeles psychologist, offers some ways you can feel better right now (in addition to reaching out to a professional psychologist).

For one, you aren’t alone. Many people are going through these ups and downs. Even if it seems like you are the only person affected by depression, that is far from the case. When you feel down, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of thinking of everything as “all or nothing.” This kind of thinking can become part of a vicious cycle in which it can keep you feeling depressed and make it harder to break out of that rut when things in your life don’t go optimally. To help combat this, it is important to keep reminding yourself that this is a phase that typically will pass.

That said, there are some proactive things you can do to help decrease your negative thoughts and feelings. In fact, one of the best ways to feel better is to get up and move. Exercise is so important. Beyond the physical health benefits of exercising properly, it can help to take the edge off of some of your feelings, too. Another concrete action you can take right now is to write a list of all the good things in your life.  This can help in a lot of ways, including remembering the positive things in your life as well as stopping the “all or nothing” thinking which can increase feeling down.

Speaking of the good things in your life, this is a time to lean on family and friends. Take comfort from those that are in your close circle. Some may be going through the same ups and downs that you are, too. The factors that can make this time depressing can cause more people than you realized to feel bad nowadays, too. However, by reaching out to those in your life who you are close to, exercising in a healthy way, and writing down what’s good in your life and coming back to it, you give yourself a healthier chance to feel better during this season (or any other).

But, if the above is not enough, or maybe you aren’t entirely sure how to start the process, Dr. Thomas can help. She can assist you with identifying what is upsetting you. Then, the two of you can work on finding ways to utilize healthy coping mechanisms. Drawing upon her more than two decades of experience in healing the mind, body, and spirit, Dr. Thomas can help you find the joy in your life, the hope in your future, and to appreciate what you do have. Request an appointment through her site or a free 15 minute phone consultation at (310) 359-9450.