Feeling Your Energy Dip as the Days Get Shorter?
- Brainz Magazine
- Nov 24
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Written by Dr. Nadia and Dr. Debora D'Iuso, Psychologists, Founders Of Crosstown Psychology & Wellness Clinic
Dr. Nadia D'Iuso and Dr. Debora D'Iuso are the co-founders and psychologists at Crosstown Psychology and Wellness Clinic. Their combined 25 years of experience as licensed psychologists and helping hundreds of clients have taught them one central truth-meaningful change starts with strong and trusting relationships.
Fall is definitely here, and winter is around the corner. As the days get shorter and often darker, we may experience changes in our energy levels, changes in our mood, and changes in our focus and concentration.
Many of us go through periods of feeling low, but knowing the difference between temporary blues and something more serious like depression can be empowering.
Depression can appear as an overwhelming sense of despair and sadness. Individuals who struggle with depression often feel sad most or all of the time and often find it difficult to cope with everyday tasks and expectations.
Taking care of yourself is essential to help improve your emotional resilience and get through even the most powerful of emotions. It can be helpful to practice strategies before you need them. Be consistent and mindful of what helps you feel good, that is the key to wellness.
Here are 4 helpful starting points
It has been clinically proven that regular exercise can be helpful in treating mild to moderate depression (even 5 minutes each day can help give us a feeling of relief). Engaging in any movement or activity that helps you feel good works!
Reconnect with your supports: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or mentors. Being emotionally vulnerable and genuine to those close to you can help in leaps and bounds.
Start your day with intention and gratitude, and end your day with balance. It’s a new day. “What can you try that is different?” Also, at the end of the day, can you give yourself permission to wind down and reflect on “Any wins today?”
Most importantly, no matter how hard or challenging it might feel, talking to the right people and taking the right steps can help you feel better.
If you are feeling stuck or at a loss as to where to begin, we suggest starting small. Try setting five minutes aside for an activity that brings a sense of accomplishment, pleasure, or peace.
Sometimes we may need more support and a space to better understand where we are getting stuck.
Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis or who are experiencing a severe mental health concern, it’s for anyone who has realized that the current ‘tools in their toolbox’ for dealing with life stressors are just not working, and they’re feeling ready and motivated to try something different.
Here are five signs to consider
Feeling overwhelmed by distressing emotions: Therapy can be a place where you discuss your feelings, receive validation and support, as well as develop new strategies to cope.
Dealing with stressful life events: When difficult life experiences occur, they can leave you feeling unsettled and stuck. Therapy can provide a space to process your experiences and help you problem-solve the best ways to navigate stressful life events.
Struggling in your relationships: If you’re experiencing tension/conflict in your relationship and/or feeling emotionally and physically disconnected, it might be time to reach out for support. Therapy can provide a space to reflect on your relationship, develop the skills and strategies to strengthen your communication, and rebuild trust and connection.
Replaying past trauma: Whether it’s the experience of a single event or many events, the experience of trauma can feel devastating and can impact your mood. Therapy can offer you a supportive space to heal from upsetting thoughts you are having because of the trauma and help you reclaim your life.
Feeling curious about therapy: Therapy isn’t just reserved for individuals in crisis or with a severe mental health concern. It’s also beneficial for individuals wanting to learn more about themselves and build on their current strengths. Therapy could afford you an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Whether it’s about navigating relationships, regulating your emotions, processing trauma, or simply checking in with yourself, therapy is one of the most effective ways to care for your emotional health.
Reach out for support. In it together!
Read more from Dr. Nadia and Dr. Debora D'Iuso
Dr. Nadia and Dr. Debora D'Iuso, Psychologists, Founders Of Crosstown Psychology & Wellness Clinic
Meet Dr. Nadia and Dr. Debora D'Iuso, sisters, psychologists, and founders of Crosstown Psychology and Wellness Clinic. As a sister team, we bring both professional expertise and a deep sense of empathy to our work. We believe effective therapy starts with genuine connection, care, and actionable strategies.
Our mission? To offer compassionate, evidence-informed care that is deeply rooted in the therapeutic relationship. We know how important it is for clients to feel safe, seen, and supported in their journey.
