The Therapist Diaries

 Hello and welcome back to the Therapist Diaries,  In the last post we were discussing the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder- a depressive disorder that often impacts people most during the winter months. Today, I thought we’d go a step forward and talk about some real life, practical things we can do if someone we know is struggling with depression or generalized negative thoughts, no matter what time of year. Firstly, how do you recognize depressive symptoms if your loved one doesn’t tell you anything? Remember, even if you create a safe environment for people to share their struggles with you, no one is required to tell you anything about their mental health, that doesn’t mean you have to read minds to be helpful. Sometimes, the people we love the most are struggling quietly, without ever saying a word.  When depression creeps in, it can make even the simplest moments feel heavy, distant, and unfamiliar, it's important to know that depression  doesn’t alwa...

Hello and welcome back to The Therapist Diaries,  Today I wanted to talk about F33.9 , more commonly known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) . The seasons have shifted firmly from summer to autumn, and winter is just around the corner. While many people welcome this time of year with open arms for their love of pumpkin spice, cozy blankets, and holiday traditions, it’s also a time when many others begin to notice a subtle (or not-so-subtle) shift within themselves. As the days grow shorter and the air turns colder, it's common to feel changes not just in our environment, but in our mood, energy, and motivation. For some, this seasonal transition brings more than just a passing “winter slump.” It can trigger a very real and diagnosable condition: Seasonal Affective Disorder . SAD is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly showing up in late fall or early winter and easing up in the spring and summer. While it might sound like it’s “just the winter blue...