True or false: Getting past quitting day is tough

In the wake of the tragedy at MSU many in our community are experiencing confusion and difficulty comprehending how this could happen, again, in our own backyard - especially after the tragedy at Oxford High School less than two years ago.

A licensed therapist shares ways you can help prepare to go back out into public spaces.

The temperatures are steadily rising, and so are our expectations! We’ve been so limited in what we’ve been able to do in the last year and a half so now people are ready to get out and enjoy life this summer, and possibly want to make up for lost time... but is this the best approach?

The combination of Daylight Saving Time ending and the dark seasons of fall and winter beginning mean fewer hours of sunlight than the summer months. Even though this happens every year, it can still be a difficult adjustment for a lot of us. Those with S.A.D experience an 11% increase in fatigue, sleepiness, and worry about the months ahead. Also, with the number of COVID cases increasing there can be even more worry about the future. You can reduce these feelings by exercising, being out in the sunlight and talking to your healthcare provider about your Vitamin D levels.

Ronnie Hormel, a therapist with Birmingham Maple Clinic, gave some advice on Live in The D for how to navigate this challenging time. The feelings of lockdown without the relief of the holidays will be stressful for many. Hormel says you should talk to your family members, and not to be afraid to express to them your comfort level for upcoming gatherings. On top of feeling like you need to host a certain type of gathering for your family, there’s the new worry of safety for yourself and other family members. He also suggests to avoid politics and think about what works for you right now and what you’re comfortable with.

Its fair to say that the back to school season this year is different than any weve ever experienced. So, how do parents help keep their own stress and anxieties from effecting their kids? All kids, kindergarten through college, are learning how to be flexible and persevere through tough times in this experience. For those with students that are going back to in-person school, Ronnie suggests doing activities together as a family while wearing their masks. This gets kids in the habit of wearing their masks, so having to wear one at school feels more normal.