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As the seasons change, some people experience more than cooler temperatures - they notice changes in mood, energy, sleep, and motivation. Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can affect daily life and well-being. Learn about seasonal depression symptoms, treatment options such as therapy, medication, and light therapy, and when it may be time to reach out for professional support.

Important Patient Notice: Office Closure & Coverage Information (July 31–August 17, 2026) Please note that Lorrie Smith-Esterle, DNP, PMHNP-BC, and the office staff at Kentucky Psychiatric Care, PLLC, will be out of the office beginning Friday, July 31, 2026, and will return on Monday, August 17, 2026. During this time, patient messages will be checked periodically. Only urgent matters will receive a response. Routine requests, including appointment scheduling, paperwork, a

Panic attacks can feel overwhelming, often bringing sudden waves of fear along with physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest tightness. Although these episodes can feel life-threatening, they are highly treatable. With effective approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, nervous system regulation techniques, and medication, many people experience significant relief and regain confidence in their ability to manage anxiety and live f

Starting psychiatric medication can feel frustrating when relief isn’t immediate—but patience matters. Medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, and adjunctive treatments work gradually, often requiring 4–6 weeks for full benefit. Early side effects are usually temporary, and stopping too soon can limit success. With clear planning, close follow-up, and open communication, allowing medications time to work is a key step toward lasting mental health stability.

Benzodiazepines, sedating antihistamines (like Benadryl®, ZzzQuil®), and hypnotics (Ambien®, Lunesta®) can help with anxiety or sleep short-term, but long-term use carries serious risks—memory problems, cognitive decline, falls, and sedation—especially in older adults. Safer options include CBT, CBT-I, SSRIs, SNRIs, beta blockers, and hydroxyzine under guidance. Always review risks vs. benefits with your healthcare provider.

The holidays can be overwhelming, especially if you're facing depression, stress, or grief. Prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and honoring loved ones can help ease the season. Reconnecting with faith or spiritual traditions often brings comfort and peace. Remember—the heart of the holidays is meaning, presence, and time with loved ones. From all of us at Kentucky Psychiatric Care, PLLC, we wish you a happy holiday season.

Learn how insomnia affects mental health and explore evidence-based treatments like CBT-I, sleep hygiene, and medication options from a psychiatric perspective.

Many people turn to marijuana hoping it will ease symptoms of anxiety or depression. While it may bring temporary relief, research shows that regular use can actually make these conditions worse over time and may even increase the risk of psychosis. Understanding how marijuana affects the brain can help you make informed choices about your mental health and explore safer, more effective treatment options.

Resilience isn’t about avoiding stress—it’s about finding our way back to balance. The Community Resiliency Model (CRM®) offers simple, body-based skills like grounding, resourcing, and tracking sensations to help steady the nervous system. These tools are practical and portable, making it possible to handle life’s challenges with more calm, connection, and hope. With practice, anyone can strengthen resilience and restore a sense of well-being.