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Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder: Finding Light in the Dark

Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder: Finding Light in the Dark

Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you’re one of the many people who feel like winter takes a toll on your mood, energy, and motivation, you’re not alone. For some, it’s more than just a case of the “winter blues.” It’s a real, scientifically...
Three Questions

Three Questions

Three questions asked to every new client… Many of my clients come to counseling as a sort of a last-ditch effort. They have tried everything they can and their end where reaching out for help may not be the last on their list, but close.  A large percentage of those...
Pain Changes Everything

Pain Changes Everything

Pain, whether physical, emotional, or psychological has a profound impact on every aspect of life. Its effects can be far-reaching, influencing not only immediate experiences but also long-term relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. Not long ago I...
The Danger of Sentimentality

The Danger of Sentimentality

Being sentimental can have both positive and negative aspects. While being sentimental can help us cherish memories, foster emotional connections, and appreciate the little things in life, it can also lead to certain dangers. When taken to extremes, sentimentality can...
Progress does not just happen

Progress does not just happen

Whether the word is “happiness, “contentment,”  “feeling better” or even being in a “good mood” does not just happen. I have written about the grieving process of my father dying in the past eight months. I am finally in a good space where I am not dreading the day...
Semblance of structure

Semblance of structure

This month marks six months since my dad passed away. Processing the grief has been different than I thought. Since I am an only child, the passing of my dad marked both of my parents going as my mom passed away in 2018. I have realized I am in a sense morning my...
No!

No!

A person’s reaction and response to the word “no” is a solid indicator of their emotional maturity. This can come with age through the trial and error of gauging their own expectations. The real test of a person’s reaction to the word “no” comes with how invested a...
When is it appropriate to decide based off emotion?

When is it appropriate to decide based off emotion?

Last November I had an MRI. Part of that process for me is taking a sedative as the MRI has become more and more claustrophobic. I had some family drive me to and from the procedure and I had to sign several pages of paperwork. One of the statements I had to sign read...
Introverts Need to Be Around People Too

Introverts Need to Be Around People Too

In 2023, I did not turn 50, but I will this year in 2024. The older I get the more I despise and push back on change and see that every circumstance or decision has benefits and drawbacks to them. One example is where I live where I have an office. Two out of five...
Why is January so hard to get through?

Why is January so hard to get through?

Why is January so hard to get through? Getting through the month feels like getting through another year. I bring this up because several people I have talked to mention this particular January seeming more so of a challenge. From a mental health perspective, January...