It’s time to check in with others about their mental health and be sure that you are taking care of your own, as well.

As we all know, this week has been a lot to take in, with the election coming to a close. People are seeing the stress build tension in several areas of their lives after results were announced for everything from the federal to local races.

However you feel about certain results, they indicate that there are changes to come, and change can be scary and intimidating. Whether it’s the presidency or local tax proposals, it’s not easy to not know exactly what’s to be expected.

That is one of many factors that can be affecting someone’s mental health right now.

Checking in with others, whether you know they’re struggling or not, is important all the time, but even more so now.

Another factor that can be affecting others’ health is the impending return of winter and the likelihood of more gray skies.

Last weekend saw the conclusion of daylight saving time, meaning the sun sets earlier, which has proven to affect others in several ways. Seasons changing can affect someone’s mood, energy levels, and more.

During the shift of daylight saving, sleeping patterns are the quickest to be affected, and a change in sleeping habits can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Hormonal changes that can happen during this time also impact your body’s production of melatonin and serotonin, which regulate sleep and mood.

That leads me to discuss seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, and bring awareness to the disorder that affects about 5% of adults in the U.S. About 10% to 20% of people in America may get a milder form known more commonly as the winter blues, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

That being said, what you’re feeling is not to be brushed off as winter blues or seasonal funk. Be sure you’re taking steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year in whatever ways help you best.

Symptoms of SAD commonly start in the fall and continue into the winter months. They can include feeling sad or down most days, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, having low energy and feeling sluggish, noticing changes in diet or overeating, having difficulty concentrating, feeling worthless or guilty, having thoughts of not wanting to live, and more.

Resources say that it’s normal to have some days when you’re feeling down as winter months approach, but, if it continues for days at a time and you can’t get motivated, talk to your health care provider. That is especially important if your sleep and eating patterns don’t adjust, if you turn to alcohol or drugs for comfort and relaxation, or if you feel hopeless or think about harming yourself.

According to an article from the Detroit Free Press, a recent study found Michiganders are among the top five populations in the country for SAD.

Michigan only averages 180 days of sunshine (51% of expected daylight hours). December is the month with the least amount of sunshine, averaging 82 hours, while July is the sunniest in Michigan, with 318 hours. That information comes from an article from the Monroe News, which also mentioned that Michigan is in the top 10 cloudiest states.

With the lack of sunshine comes the possibility of a vitamin D deficiency, which can cause issues in your bones and muscles. Vitamin D also plays a role in your nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and immune system.

A lack of vitamin D can cause a host of different issues and several symptoms are possible, but, concerning mental health, signs can include fatigue and mood changes. Bone pain, muscle weakness, and other physical signs can also affect mental health, too, as the body is one whole system.

Combating SAD can come in many forms, including adding more vitamin D to your diet to supplement the lack of sunlight. Moving your body, getting exercise, and pumping endorphins is also a great way to naturally increase dopamine in your body and fight feelings of stress and anxiety.

It’s also important to set a routine and do your best to stick to it. Putting yourself on a schedule gets you out of bed, moving, and staying busy in ways that can also help your mental health.

Talking with medical professionals, whether a psychiatrist, psychologist, or your health care provider, is another way to find what works best for you to maintain your health.

Reaching out to those you care about can help both them and yourself, because, sometimes, it’s nice to know you’re not alone and that there are people out there who care for you.

So, especially now with all the changing factors and moving parts in our lives, we need to talk about our feelings, recognize signs of unease, and prioritize our mental health.

Torianna Marasco can be reached at 989-358-5686 or tmarasco@thealpenanews.com.