LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The holiday season can have a strong impact on your mental health, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
The director of Lexington's chapter said it is normal to have lower energy and want to sleep more this time of year.
In order to avoid the "holiday blues," the director suggested that you lower your expectations and do not over spend.
"We start advertising for Christmas at Halloween now, so it's no wonder that we all feel the pressure like we're running further behind all the time," said Kelly Gunning, the director of advocacy and public policy at NAMI Lexington. "So, I say don't give into that. Schedule what you really want to do. Prioritize."
Gunning said that anyone with decreased energy, loss of appetite, or loss of interest in usual activities should contact a mental health provider.
She also said that those symptoms could mean that you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder, which can be severe.
