December 18, 2021 Issue, Page 3 of 12

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December 18, 2021 3 News Feeling low? Overcome the winter blues with self-care By Gail Ellis of seasonal affective disorder. ter blues or seasonal depres- homa State University Exten- the winter blues by sticking to they need to be more aware of Less vitamin D, cold tempera- sion, the temporary condition sion mental health specialist, her routine of weekly work and how seasonal affective disorder STILLWATER, Okla. – When tures and the stress of a busy causes people to feel tired and said she tries to avoid using volunteer events while mak- can affect other issues such as daylight saving time ends in season can take its toll on the sluggish, lonely or sad. They the condition’s SAD acronym ing an effort to socialize with high blood pressure,” she said. November and end-of-year human body, physically and may sleep poorly, have mood because of the negative conno- friends and family. The key Studies have shown those holidays approach, it’s com- mentally. swings, overeat or avoid social tations it suggests. is to not attempt any drastic who live farther from the equa- mon to experience symptoms Also known as the win- activities. Rachel Morse, Okla- “It’s OK to experience sea- changes during a volatile time tor are more impacted by sea- sonal affective disorder,” she of the year. sonal depression. Oklahoma said. “In the winter when our “December is not the best is known for its mild weather, biological clock is adjusting to time to try a new way of eating but in the winter, that can less daylight and the emotion- or a major diet,” she said. “That help those feeling low. Most al impacts of the holidays, we takes time to adjust, and your winter storms are short-lived, have to double down on ways body is already trying to adapt and 70-degree-days in January to combat it. These feelings to the changing seasons.” can be an uplifting preview of are part of the seasonal transi- Fresh air, light, exercise and spring. tion, and it’s a good reminder socialization will help ease the “We all cope with it in dif- to develop self-care habits we heaviness of a cold, dark win- ferent ways, but it’s not a life- should practice year-round.” ter, but when sleep is disrupt- long condition,” Morse said. Basic self-care involves get- ed and the symptoms linger, “Talking about seasonal affec- ting an adequate amount of Morse said it’s time to investi- tive disorder is a good way to sleep, eating vegetables and gate. discuss how we’re all doing this “Whoever finds this, please love me” other healthy foods and fit- ting in daily movement or ex- “If a person has been diag- nosed with depression or an- time of year and normalize conversations about mental ercise. Morse said she combats other psychological condition, health.” Years ago, songwriter Mac Da- with the words, “Whoever we pray? No. He never prom- vis penned the lyrics to a song finds this, I love you.” Because ised He would be our golden about a tiny orphan girl who in reality, those words were evidently longed to experi- ence being loved. In the song, actually a plea for someone to care about her. See me, care goose. But, He did promise that He would do what is best for us. Even when we can’t un- Holidays can inspire change “WHOEVER FINDS THIS, I about me, love me. As we near the year’s end, it buy a house? Get on a budget. Where can I go for support or LOVE YOU” she writes a note Just like today. derstand His decisions, and is normal to reflect on the Change can be scary and try- help? Do I even really have a containing those words, and “Whoever finds this, please we loathe what has happened ing to develop new ways of days and months lived and to problem?” In Oklahoma, you it into the wind. A lonely old love me.” If that phrase strikes in our life. Trust and faith are Now, as one of our Midwestʼs standing jokes indicates, we all are aware ask, “how did I do this year?” living is difficult, especially on can use www.OKImReady.org man eventually found the note a chord of loneliness deep not the easy way out, but they New Year’s is traditionally the your own. It is often neces- (800) 522-9054 to find out among the autumn leaves and within you, please know this. that our weather forecast can be just are the only way out. Anything time to make personal goals. sary to find someone who about Substance Use, Preven- read her plea for love. That was You may be physically isolated. ‘Where do I want to go? What knows more about or has tion Services, Support and the beginning of a beautiful And you may be emotionally else only leads to more fear, do I want to accomplish this experience with the desired Treatment. If you’re seeking and warm friendship that both lonely. But dear hurting friend, anxiety and loneliness. year?’ Physical health, rela- outcomes we seek. To improve treatment, please visit www. of them desperately needed. you are never truly alone. You This is our 2021 Christmas tionships, education/career physical health, consider join- findtreatment.gov (800) 273- Lately it seems our world has have not been abandoned by Coffeetime Column from Andy development, finances, and ing a gym, for example, or talk TALK (8255) or (800) 662- become too much like this the One who created you. Over to someone in your circle who hurting little girl and the old two thousand years ago, God & Renie. Our goal thru our col- ‘being my best self,’ are often HELP (4357). has a higher level of fitness. be” whatsoever. We were told in effect, “To take cover.” And many of us man – alone in their pain. So many seem to be struggling in sent the entire world a promise in the form of His Son, Jesus. umn is to always be humorous, honest and encouraging as we areas of focus for our resolu- tions. All are good areas to Finding support is helpful, as is having someone who is This message provided by the Beckham County Coalition took it to heart. We saved water, gathered fireplace wood and food. We isolation as they deal with mis- ery, anxiety and fear. Despair A promise to love each of us, a promise to care and help us try to write a positive message evaluate and try to improve. One way to write your resolu- in the same process to lean on. Regardless of the changes working together for a better carefully prepared for our pets, vehicles, and livestock to be protected. Did in these dark times. We pray Beckham County. The pro- and depression have become with our problems. No matter tions is to use this sentence you’re trying to make, please we have been successful in do- don’t give up. Persistence is gram is funded by Oklahoma the regular companions of how huge or small. He is with stem: “This is the year I finally the best we could to take all the precautions that were within our ability. folks, instead of the hope and us every step of this long and ing just that. May God bring refusing to quit and giving Department of Mental Health ____.” Fill in the blank with peace that comes with being dark journey we seem to be on more light into your own per- maximum effort. and Substance Abuse Services, your resolutions and then surrounded by close friends today. When we simply turn to If this is the year you want Substance Abuse and Mental sonal darkness in this coming begin trying to build the plan to do something about your and loving family. Him and ask for the help we to get there. Want to run a Health Services Administra- year, with real joy and peace in Marijuana or Opioid use, And there are so many who need, He is faithful to be right tion, and the Center for Sub- simply didnʼt believe in making a lot of preparations. And many were left your hearts. marathon? You’re going to then you may have ques- would probably like to do just beside us. need to get moving. Want to tions. “Who can I talk to? stance Abuse and Prevention. what that little girl did. Reach Does He always give us the By the way, “Whoever reads out to someone – anyone – answers we are wanting when this, we love you.” Christmas is almost here! We would like to invite you to come in and enjoy our new spa pedicure chairs with new liners. New nail styles and colors! that those states could predict, and those folks down there were dumped Cindy Lou Who Bucks states were definitely notPedicure prepared to handle that kind of storm. 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