Page 12 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - September-October 2025

CHEHALIS TRIBAL NEWSLETTER

The Confederated Tribes STAFF
of the Chehalis Reservation,
‘People of the Sands’ Communications Coordinator
Frazier Myer, Communications
Articles and opinions expressed Specialist Bobbie Bush,
are not necessarily those of this Designer Audra J. Hill and the
publication or the Chehalis Tribal Information Technology Team
Business Committee.
TRIBAL CENTER
SUBMISSIONS Main line: 360-273-5911
Tribal members are encouraged Address: 420 Howanut Road BUSINESS COMMITTEE © copyright 2025
to submit birthday and anniversary Oakville, WA 98568
wishes, letters, articles, photos Office: 360-709-1726 Chairman: Dustin Klatush The Chehalis Tribal
and drawings to be considered Fax: 360-273-5914 Vice Chairwoman: Sheilah Bray Newsletter is a
for publication in the newsletter Treasurer: Farley Youckton publication of the
(materials are subject to editing). VISION STATEMENT Secretary: Cheryle Starr Confederated Tribes
Contributing writers, artists and To be a thriving, self-sufficient, Fifth Council Member: of the Chehalis
photographers include Chehalis sovereign people, honoring our Thomas Trott Reservation
Tribal community members/staff. past and serving current and future generations.

12

Wintertime blues: Strategies to handle SAD

Short, dark days and
lack of sunlight can SEEK SUPPORT
cause mood changes

Summertime in the Pacific If you or someone you know
is struggling, don’t hesitate to
Northwest can be one of the most reach out for support. You’re
beautiful times of year. With not alone and brighter days
sunny days, lush greenery and are ahead. Call Tsapowum
endless outdoor activities, it’s easy Chehalis Tribe Behavioral
to feel energized and connected. Health at 360-709-1733.
However, as summer gives way
to crisp fall air, vibrant foliage,
and the eventual gray days of
winter, some people might start to yoga at home, movement makes a
feel a little less motivated or even difference.
disconnected from daily life. Connect socially: Winter
While many of us experience the months can lead to more isolation,
winter blues to some extent, if you which often worsens symptoms of
notice more significant symptoms, depression. Make an effort to stay
you might be dealing with Seasonal socially engaged. Schedule coffee
Affective Disorder (SAD). with a friend, attend a local event
SAD is a type of depression that or join a support group.
returns at the same time each year, Consider therapy: If your
most commonly during fall and n Loss of interest in activities regulate your body’s internal clock symptoms persist or significantly
winter. It’s often linked to reduced you usually enjoy and boost your mood. These light interfere with your daily life,
sunlight exposure, which can n Difficulty concentrating boxes and lamps can be easily speaking with a mental health
disrupt circadian rhythm and lower n Changes in appetite purchased online at retailers such professional can help. Cognitive
levels of serotonin and melatonin, n Feelings of hopelessness or as Amazon. Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an
two chemicals that play a key role sadness Get outside: Even on overcast evidence-based treatment that has
in regulating mood and sleep. n Oversleeping or trouble days, natural light is beneficial. been shown to be highly effective
In the Pacific Northwest, it’s not waking up Try to get outside, especially for SAD.
unusual to go weeks without direct As the seasons change and you around midday, when the light Living in the Pacific Northwest
sunlight during winter months. find yourself experiencing any of is brightest. A short walk can lift is a gift, its natural beauty and
This makes people living in the these symptoms, know that it is your spirits and help maintain unique seasons offer so much
region particularly vulnerable to OK and there are proven strategies healthy vitamin D levels. to enjoy. But it’s also OK to
seasonal mood changes. that can help. Stay active: Regular physical acknowledge when winter feels
Common symptoms of SAD Light therapy: Using a light activity boosts endorphins and heavy. Recognizing the signs of
include: therapy box or lamp that emits serotonin, which are natural seasonal depression and taking
n Persistent low energy or 10,000 lux of light for 20–30 mood enhancers. Whether it’s small, proactive steps can make a
fatigue minutes in the morning can help hitting the gym, hiking or doing big difference in how you feel.