Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder

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Happy New Year 2020!  The holidays are over, there is more darkness than daylight, and the weather is cold (or at least it typically is during this time of the year!).  Do you find that you experience a sense of dread at the end of Summer with the thought of what feels like longggggggg Fall and Winter months?  Have you felt a change in your mood as the seasons change? Do you find that your energy is decreased and that you feel moodier from the end of Summer through Spring?  If so, you are not alone, and may be like many who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  Many experience increased sadness after the holidays are over and during the first few months of the year.  In fact, for many, this increased in sadness and decreased energy begins at the end of the Summer, yet we perk up some around the holidays.  People may experience SAD differently.  Quite ironic how the acronym is SAD when many who experience it express that they feel a sense of sadness and lack of energy. 

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What Is Burnout, And How Do I Deal With It?

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Crying, exhaustion, increased anxiety, anger, emotionally and physically shutting down….does this sound familiar?  If so, you are like many of us and are possibly experiencing burnout.  Most of us have heard of burnout yet many of us believe that we will know when we are starting to burnout or that we can prevent it before it becomes too severe.  Unfortunately, this is not always true and can lead to many problems in our relationships, jobs, and emotional and physical health.  Furthermore, burnout is not solely related to jobs but also relationships and life in general.  Merriam Webster’s definition of burnout includes “exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration”.  I like how Michael Gungor explains his understanding as “Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long.” 

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How Yoga Can Improve Anxiety and Depression

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to follow up with a blog about how yoga and mindfulness specifically can help with symptoms related to anxiety, depression and even trauma. Yoga is defined as a discipline that includes breath control, simple meditation, and a variety of body positions that is widely practiced for health and relaxation. Yoga, as a form of physical activity, used as a regular practice, will also increase the trait of mindfulness, as well as increase the “feel good” chemicals in your brain. As a result, it is a healthy coping skill for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma. Mindfulness is the awareness of one’s body, one’s thoughts, and a greater connection of mind and body. Mindfulness teaches you to clear out distractions, with a goal of totally emptying your mind, while you are practicing yoga. 

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How to find a Therapist to Work With (Part 2 of 3)

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We think the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client is a very important factor in how the client progresses in therapy. If the client feels self-conscious, or as if the therapist is judgmental, he/she might not open up and share completely and honestly. We tell our clients that working with a therapist is just like any other relationship-it may take time to develop and that is completely normal. There are some people you will naturally get along better with, some that you get along better with after you know each other a little more, and some that you won’t “click” with or feel comfortable with. 

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