(Mary Arens/ Health eNews) — The dark, cold winter seems to be dragging on, and although you know sunnier, warmer days are ahead, you might feel down and depressed. It might even affect your work.
You’re not alone. For some it may simply be the winter blues. For others it could be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). As defined by the National Institute of Mental Health, SAD is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in the late fall and early winter and going away during the spring and summer.
Whether it’s simple or seasonal, poor mental health can lead to more complex issues such as substance abuse and anxiety, especially when left untreated.
But there is help, and it may be right at your workplace.
“Mental well-being is an integral part of a person’s overall health,” says Jill Bley-Klink, a licensed professional counselor at Aurora Behavioral Health Center in Hartford, Wis. “Many employers offer programs and resources to help employees, such as education and information, and access to behavioral health services.” (…)