Some people may feel more fatigued during the winter months, when the days are short and sunlight is in short supply - and that's common.

People frequently drive to work in the dark, and then leave by the time it's dark again. A lack of sunlight and the cold weather can make people sleep more, feel more depressed, or tired.

A recent study finds nearly four in ten people suffer from what's formally known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

Dr. Kim Penberthy - professor of psychiatry and neuro-behavioral sciences at the University of Virginia - said it's normal for people to, in effect, mimic animals that hibernate and trees that shed leaves.

But, she added, some symptoms are much more severe.

"They are more sad, maybe even tearful, maybe even feeling really sort of hopeless or worthless or overwhelmed," said Penberthy, "and it might even impact their behavior, where they stop doing activities and especially not doing things that they usually enjoy."

Experts suggest consulting your primary care physician who can then refer you to specialists if needed.

According to the healthcare company Good RX, more than 30 of Virginia localities were in the highest risk category for seasonal affective disorder.

More than 15 other localities were in the second highest risk category.

Among other things, Penberthy recommended trying to stay active, especially if a person's inclinations are to sleep in in the morning or - right after work - hop back in bed.

She also suggested trying to go for walks during the light hours, perhaps on a lunch break. Penberthy said exposure to light is critical.

"We know that this helps sort of regulate our sleep, which also helps our mood," said Penberthy. "So this might mean making sure that you get up and you get some exposure to daylight in the morning. You know, even on some days where it might be cloudy, you can still get out and get some exposure to sunlight."

Penberthy added that light boxes are available for those folks who might need more light exposure.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said our social circles also play a vital role in our mental health.

"When we think about longevity and quality of life, those strong ties to friends and family are very good for our health," said Randall. "So surrounding yourself with a support network is really important. And make that a priority in your health and in your life."

Women were more likely than men to say their mood declines during the wintertime, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

Indiana families are preparing kids for back-to-school season, and mental-health experts say emotional readiness is just as important as school supplies.

Beth Trammell, a psychologist and professor at Indiana University East, said kids often carry anxiety into the new school year. She encouraged parents to help children identify those fears.

"We as parents or caregivers think, 'Don't worry, or don't stress.' Instead, we might want to say, 'OK, well, let's talk about what it is you're worried about. What is the worst thing you think could happen?' If we draw it out of them," she said, "it may give them space to kind of let that out."

Helping kids feel heard can reduce stress. But experts also urge balance, keeping mornings calm, easing into routines, and not overloading schedules the first few weeks.

Nicole Brady, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare, said mental-health support should remain a priority throughout the year.

"Though we want our kids to be involved in activities and be social," she said, "we have to watch their academic performance, their mood, those sleep patterns, and making sure that those are staying healthy."

Brady added that parents should talk regularly with kids, model healthy coping and seek help early if warning signs appear.


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After a legislative session which opened doors to expand mental health care services across Montana, a state commission said it is considering the Billings area to build the state's second forensic facility.

For people involved in Montana's justice system whom a judge has deemed not mentally fit for their own defense, there are 53 beds in the state's only forensic facility in Galen. The daily waitlist hovers at about 100 people.

Matt Kuntz, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Montana, said it is not meeting the immense need.

"It's just a really bad situation for the people that are in the jails, for the people that are caring for them, for the taxpayers," Kuntz outlined. "It just doesn't work for anybody."

At a recent commission meeting, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Director Charlie Brereton said the state is identifying a location for a new facility. The department received nearly $27 million from the state in April to fund project planning.

Kuntz noted the Montana Legislature passed many bills this session centered on mental health care.

"We really were able to get big wins in access to outpatient care, access to crisis care and for people in need of forensic hospital," Kuntz explained. "Overall, it was really an amazing legislative session for Montanans with mental health conditions."

Other mental health legislation will boost school-based services, youth in residential care, the state's 988 crisis line and certified community behavioral health clinics.


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The California Parent and Youth Helpline is in serious jeopardy after Gov. Gavin Newsom cut it from the new state budget, saying the money was needed to support medical services.

Advocates said they are puzzled because the governor has championed the helpline for years, and lawmakers approved $3 million from a separate fund dedicated to mental health, which does not affect the deficit.

Lisa Pion-Berlin, president and CEO of the nonprofit Parents Anonymous, which runs the helpline, said it is still operating 24/7, for now.

"We're holding on for the next month or so," Pion-Berlin pointed out. "But we need the state to step up, or one of these well-off philanthropists who cares about having that immediate help for emotional support, which is so vital."

Advocates are hoping funding can be restored via a budget trailer bill in the next few weeks. People can call or text and reach the helpline's trained counselors at 877-427-2736. The free helpline has connected with more than 120,000 people since its inception five years ago, and the website CAParentYouthHelpline.org has reached a million more.

Pion-Berlin noted a study in the Journal of Technology in Human Services found a call to the helpline can quickly ease parents' suffering and feelings of isolation.

"The research said that 85% of the callers in less than 30 minutes feel more positive, more hopeful and able to address their issues," Pion-Berlin reported. "There is no other service or pill I know that can do that in 30 minutes or less."

Parents Anonymous also offers free weekly support groups to steer parents and kids through emotional crises of all kinds.