EvenMORE For You

SAD But True: How to Successfully Survive Seasonal Affective Disorder

By Emily Hammer
Ah, fall and winter—the time when leaves change, sweaters emerge, and your happiness disappears faster than the sun at 5:30 PM. If you’re feeling like a wilting houseplant, you might be dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder—fittingly abbreviated “SAD.”

But don’t worry, we’re not going to be SAD about it. We’re going to thrive when your brain says “hibernate”, but your boss says, “Monday meeting.”

What is SAD?
SAD is a type of depression that hits during fall and winter when daylight fades and your brain’s mood dimmer switch gets stuck on “meh.” Symptoms include sadness, irritability, low energy, oversleeping, carb cravings, and loss of interest in life’s usual joys. It affects about 5% of U.S. adults (mostly women) for roughly four months a year—so if winter feels extra heavy, you’re far from alone.

Why Does It Happen?
Blame the lack of sunlight. Shorter days throw off your circadian rhythm, lower serotonin (happy chemical), raise melatonin (sleep chemical), and zap vitamin D—all a recipe for low mood and fatigue.

SAD Survival Tips

1. Get More Light
   Use a light therapy lamp (10,000 lux). It helps reset your inner clock and brighten your mood.
2. Move Your Body
   Exercise releases endorphins—the brain’s natural high-five. Walk, dance, play fetch with your cat—it all counts.
3. Snack Smart
   Carbs are tempting, but balance them with omega-3s, leafy greens, and whole grains. And drink water—you’re 60% H₂O, not caramel macchiato.
4. Sleep Right
   Aim for 7–9 hours, not 13. Ditch the doomscrolling and late-night Netflix binges.
5. Talk About It
   Therapy works wonders. Reach out if you’re struggling—you don’t have to face the dark alone.
6. Call the Doctor
   Sometimes antidepressants help. Always check with a professional, not your cousin’s friend who’s into “energy balancing.”
7. Fake a Tropical Escape
   Visualize sunshine, play ocean sounds, or plan a sunny getaway—even in your imagination.

SAD might steal some light, but you can fight back—with movement, connection, and a dash of vitamin D. Hang in there—the sun will shine again.

Honoring You for Honoring our Veterans

Our Veterans Recognition Ceremonies wouldn’t be Possible without YOU!

Every year in November we celebrate our nation’s heroes with Veterans recognition ceremonies at long-term care facilities and community senior centers.

Demonstrating our appreciation towards Veterans is a long-standing tradition for Crossroads in November and every month.

In November we know that behind the meaningful moments we produce are the dedicated team members who make them possible while working together and maintaining their already demanding workloads.

From Spread Sheets to Sheet Cakes

From planning meetings to spread sheets to sheet cake orders, team members go into overdrive to ensure Veterans feel honored and seen. Their efforts honor our patients who are Veterans. But our gratitude is also extended to the greater community with respect, compassion and appreciation for those who served our country, especially in November.

There are an estimated 17.9 million living Veterans in America, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which refers 20,000 Veterans for hospice care annually. This number is expected to grow.

“I’m just so proud of our teams for the dedication they put into honoring our Veterans,” said Sherri Bickley, CSW, M. Th., Vice President of Clinical Support. “These events come together because of quiet dedication and genuine compassion for the people we serve. This is a perfect example of how Crossroads does more.”

Crossroads in Northeast Ohio Support Services Director Kenna Peterson, MSW, LSW agrees, “I want to thank everyone who participated in planning our Veterans Recognition ceremonies in NEO and across Crossroads, making each one special.”

As November, which is also National Hospice Month, continues, stay strong and know your efforts haven’t gone unnoticed and they are most appreciated!

National Nurse Practitioner Week is observed every year during the second week of November. Created by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners it recognizes the tremendous contributions of Nurse Practitioners to healthcare. Across the country, healthcare providers and educators join in celebrating Nurse Practitioners. At Crossroads we are spotlighting our own outstanding Nurse Practitioner, Jessica McCune of Crossroads in Northeast Ohio, during this year’s Nurse Practitioner Week.

Spotlight on Nurse Practitioner Jessica McCune

Empathy and Expertise for Patients, their Families & the Team

Jessica McCune, NP, brings genuine compassion and proven experience to her work in palliative care. For the past eight years since Jessica joined Crossroads in Northeast Ohio she’s supported patients and their families with strong guidance and clinical coordination.

Jessica’s healthcare journey began as a nurse’s aide. That’s when she discovered her passion for helping others. While working nights and weekends, she earned her LPN and then RN, gaining experience in both nursing homes and a hospital.

After a few years in family nursing she was encouraged to explore hospice care which led her to Crossroads. Learning that one of Crossroads’ medical directors had been a favorite professor in nursing school made the opportunity feel like a natural next step.

When Jessica joined Crossroads in her first hospice nursing role the early days were demanding and sometimes a challenge but she felt immediately welcomed by a team that seemed genuinely interested in her success. “I knew right away I was in the right place,” she said.

That sense of teamwork and support is what keeps her at Crossroads. “Crossroads has its challenges like everywhere but it always comes back to the good,” Jessica said. “We really have the best staff and we support each other through everything.”

Passion for Palliative Care

Now focused on palliative care, Jessica helps patients and families navigate declining health. She acknowledges that palliative care can be confusing for patients, families, even healthcare providers, but she says her team “gets it” and works together to provide comfort, understanding and peace in every situation.

A proud Northeast Ohio native, Jessica loves serving her own community. At home she’s Mom to a 17-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son. She’s been married to Jason, “her saint of a husband” for 18 years. Jessica values the time she spends with the kids navigating their busy school and extracurricular schedules. Jessica also credits her patients for keeping her inspired and challenged. “My patients and their families motivate me.” 

We wish Jessica much continued success. She represents Nurse Practitioners so well while giving the best of herself to Crossroads’ patients and their families during Nurse Practitioner Week and every week!