Whole-Body Wellness Begins in the Mouth: Insights From Dr. Alma Sánchez
Your oral health is a crucial part of your whole-body wellness. Read on to learn why dental care matters and how to better care for your mouth.
How to Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as the Days Get Shorter
Are You Taking Care of Your Mental Health as Fall Turns Into Winter?
This time of year can bring more than cooler temperatures and holiday excitement—it can also affect your mental well-being. For many, the darker days and reduced sunlight trigger feelings of fatigue, sadness, or imbalance. But with the right tools and support, you can navigate seasonal changes and protect your mental health.
At Living Water Clinic-Clinica Agua Viva, we provide comprehensive mental health services and counseling all year round. Whether you're in Porterville, Lindsay, Visalia, Woodlake, or prefer remote telemedicine, we're here to support you wherever you are.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
If you notice your mood dipping during the fall and winter, you’re not alone. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s closely linked to seasonal changes—particularly the reduced exposure to natural sunlight in the colder months.
In the U.S. and across the globe, millions of people experience symptoms of SAD, including:
- Low energy or fatigue
- Mood swings or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or disconnection
These symptoms often improve in spring and summer when sunlight exposure increases.
Why Does SAD Happen?
SAD is believed to be influenced by changes in sunlight exposure. Due to the Earth’s axial tilt, North America gets less sunlight in fall and winter. This can disrupt your internal body clock (circadian rhythm), lower vitamin D levels, and affect serotonin and melatonin—the chemicals that regulate mood and sleep.
You're more at risk if you:
- Have a family history of SAD or depression
- Already struggle with anxiety or mood disorders
- Spend most of your time indoors during daylight hours
- Live in areas with long, dark winters
Even if you don’t have a diagnosed mental health condition, you might feel “off” or emotionally drained during this season.
Taking Care of Your Body and Mind
The good news? There are proactive steps you can take to manage SAD and stay mentally strong during fall and winter.
At Living Water Clinic-Clinica Agua Viva, our providers are here to support your whole health—body, mind, and spirit. We offer primary care and mental health services for the entire family, from children to seniors.
Here are a few strategies that may help reduce the effects of SAD:
- Stay Active: Regular exercise boosts mood and energy
- Eat Well: Focus on a balanced diet and consider vitamin-rich foods
- Supplement with Vitamin D: Talk to your provider about whether vitamin D supplements are right for you
- Use Light Therapy: A sun lamp or full-spectrum light box can mimic natural sunlight
- Manage Stress: Practice mindfulness, set boundaries, and seek support when needed
- Limit Alcohol Intake: Excess alcohol can worsen symptoms of depression and disrupt sleep
Meet Our Mental Health Providers
Living Water Clinic-Clinica Agua Viva is proud to have compassionate, licensed professionals available to support your mental health journey:
- Marian Aguwa, LCSW – Marian provides virtual counseling services and is available to patients across all our locations via telehealth. She specializes in supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, and emotional wellness during seasonal transitions.
- Christina Arias, LCSW – Christina offers both in-person and virtual therapy. You can find her at our Lindsay and Woodlake clinics, where she provides caring, personalized support for a range of mental health needs, including SAD, grief, and stress management.
Whether you prefer to meet from the comfort of your home or face-to-face, our LCSWs are here to help you thrive through every season.
You’re Not Alone
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by seasonal changes, struggling with depression, or just not feeling like yourself—help is available.
At Living Water Clinic-Clinica Agua Viva, we provide:
- Mental health counseling
- Grief and trauma support
- Nutritional counseling
- Telemedicine options for accessible, flexible care
Reach Out Today
Don’t wait to get support for Seasonal Affective Disorder or holiday-related stress. The team at Living Water Clinic-Clinica Agua Viva is ready to walk alongside you through every season.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Back-to-School Health Checklist: Pediatric Care With Jose and Alma Corvera in Woodlake
What kind of medical care does your child need before the school year begins? Learn more from our expert team about essential back-to-school health needs and the pediatric care that supports your child’s success.
I Got Hurt on the Job: Can You Help?
If you're injured at work, you have the right to file for workers' compensation. This includes both acute injuries from accidents and stress-related injuries that develop over time.
Prioritize Your Health With the Experts at Living Water Clinic
What do you prioritize in life? How important is your health to you? June is Men’s Health Month, making this the perfect time to highlight how our team at Living Water Clinic can support your current and lifelong health. Read on to learn more.
Get Active With Dr. Jerry and Dr. Angelina Neria — Celebrating National Physical Fitness Month
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting to move more after a period of inactivity, having the right support makes all the difference in your fitness journey.
Managing Stress for Better Health: Tips from the Experts
Stress takes a toll on your health and wellness, putting you at higher risk for serious conditions like stroke and heart attack. Do you know how to manage stress effectively? Read on for expert advice on how to stay ahead of stress for better health.