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Seasonal Affective Disorder
Published
11 years agoon
By Megan Obert Big Sky Counseling Clinic
This time of year our exposure to daylight decreases until Dec. 21, the winter solstice, when daylight starts to increase again.
Research indicates sunlight exposure levels can negatively impact a person’s mood, because sunlight affects serotonin levels. Serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps regulate mood, is found to be lower in people who suffer from depression. People show higher serotonin levels on sunny days than on darker days, indicating that decreased light can increase chances of depression.
If you find yourself feeling moody or depressed during winter months and happier in spring, you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Almost half a million people experience this each winter between September and April. SAD occurs more frequently in women than men, and people typically start to show symptoms between ages 18 and 30.
Symptoms of SAD usually build up in the late autumn and early winter and are similar to other forms of depression. They may include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of energy, oversleeping, irritability, restlessness, social withdrawal and increased appetite. These symptoms can range in intensity depending on a person’s susceptibility to depression and where he or she lives.
If you experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, you don’t have to tough it out until spring – there are options to help elevate your mood.
First, spend time outdoors in the sunlight. Participating in physical exercise while outdoors will also help increase your energy and manage other symptoms of depression. In addition, making sure you’re eating nutritiously and getting enough sleep is recommended, both of which are often overlooked in terms of their importance.
Another option is to purchase a phototherapy box, or light box. A light box mimics natural light from the sun and can produce the same chemical changes in your brain as sunlight. Phototherapy boxes are generally used 30 minutes a day and require you to sit near the light with your eyes open.
Light therapy may be effective on its own, but in more serious cases, is most effective when combined with antidepressant medication and counseling.
If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder and are interested in counseling, or if you have questions or concerns about SAD, the MSU Human Development Clinic is available to help. Call (406) 570-3907.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
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February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
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Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
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14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
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Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome
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Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome to come, if you don’t know who to bring come alone this is a great mixer event! This is an event hosted by Big Sky OUT as we work to provide queer safe spaces throughout the community.
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(Sunday) 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Cowboy Coffee
25 Town Center Ave. Big Sky, MT 59716