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\nSPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) \u2013 Sunset is at 6:17 p.m. Friday and moves to 5:15 p.m. Sunday, when clocks fall back one hour at 2 a.m.<\/p>\n
\nNia Howard, program and engagement leader for Be Well at Centerstone, said the change can be a good time to notice shifts in how you feel and what you do.<\/p>\n
\nSunset times
One week ago, the sun set at 6:27 p.m. It sets at 6:17 p.m. Friday and 6:16 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, sunset is at 5:15 p.m.<\/p>\n
\nThe one-hour shift on the clock moves daylight into the morning and away from the evening. The days have been losing about a minute of light each day. In about a month, the sun will set before 5 p.m.<\/p>\n
\nHoward said the change is easy to picture in an ordinary family\u2019s day.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSometimes it feels like we\u2019re already packing a whole bunch into our days, but now it feels like the day is so much longer because it\u2019s dark,\u201d Howard said.<\/p>\n
\nWhat to watch for
Howard said seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression. She said an earlier sunset alone does not indicate someone has the disorder. She said to watch for a change in the person, such as sleeping more, eating differently, or slowly dropping things they usually enjoy.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAnd now they\u2019re slowly kind of putting those aside. Maybe it was something as simple as they had a routine where they read at night, every night, and now they\u2019re noticing that they\u2019re not doing that,\u201d Howard said.<\/p>\n
\nHoward said the length of time a person experiences those changes matters. She said to pay particular attention if sleep, appetite, or normal routine starts to change.<\/p>\n
\nWhen to reach out
Howard recommends making time to get outside during daylight, even during a lunch break, and staying connected with people, even in small ways.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe want to have connections with people. Connection is really important. It could be the smallest connection with the person at the grocery store, right?\u201d Howard said.<\/p>\n
\nHoward said that if you start feeling lethargic or are losing interest in things you love, do not wait for the season to pass before talking to someone.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIf it\u2019s been more than two weeks, it\u2019s a little bit harder to get out of by ourselves. So that\u2019s why we want to reach out to a trusted friend, a loved one, or even a professional,\u201d Howard said.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhen it\u2019s been two weeks, and you\u2019re just not feeling like yourself, it\u2019s time to be able to reach out to somebody,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\nHoward said that person can be a trusted friend or a mental health professional. She said anyone struggling with their mental health who needs immediate help can call 9-8-8 24 hours a day, seven days a week.<\/p>\n
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