winter blues

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how does it Affect You?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how does it Affect You?

Have you ever taken inventory of how your mood changes during seasonal shifts? Perhaps that moody feeling you can’t exactly put your finger on or the sudden snap of your energy that was once fueled by warm weather and outside gatherings. Chances are, Seasonal Affective Disorder could be a contributing factor. This blog post, written by Brittany Spencer, LCPC, located in Baltimore, Maryland, explores what Seasonal Affective Disorder is, its signs and symptoms, how to distinguish it from winter blues, and when to seek support.

Tuning into Self-Care in Winter

Tuning into Self-Care in Winter

In the winter, people are often more drawn to staying in and staying cozy--replacing late nights with a turn inwards. Beyond hygge, winter also often brings the blues. The sun is setting earlier and the air is biting cold. On a physiological level, our bodies are struggling with the lack of daylight. On an emotional level, you may not be feeling quite yourself. February has the echoes of family pressure from the holidays, along with cycles of frustration brought on by New Year’s resolutions. We find ourselves in need of balance and care.