KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With the sun setting earlier and big holidays to plan for, the winter season can make some people feel depressed and lonely.
Ben Harrington with the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee says there are many ways to battle mental health struggles this season.
One way is to make sure you get enough exposure to sunlight. That could mean opening up your curtains or taking walks.
"Exposure to more light is vitally important. And that's why opening up those southern-facing windows is imperative for someone dealing with seasonal affective disorder to get more light exposure," Harrington said.
Depressive symptoms like a lack of energy and less interaction with family can show up more in the winter months, according to Harrington. He says one way to manage stress is not to rush the celebrations.
"You need to plan enough time to really be able to enjoy the time with your family. But then also give you the time to get back in the swing, of your schedule, your routine," Harrington said.
While planning for the holidays can put a lot of burden on someone, one way to manage that is to share the responsibility with others, according to Harrington.
"Divide and conquer. Who's going to take certain parts here? Do you have to cook every dish that's served at your Thanksgiving table or your Christmas dinner table or can you divide and conquer?" Harrington said.