The holidays can be both a fun and challenging time for many people. On one hand, it can be a nostalgic time for music, presents and visiting friends and family. Folks love to feel cozy, blast Mariah Cary and drive to see holiday lights. On the other hand, this time of year may be a time of high anxiety and distress. During the holidays party goers are often surrounded by food which may be challenging for people who are diagnosed with eating disorders, have disordered eating or struggle with body image.

It’s that time of year again: the clocks change, the leaves are falling, we are saturated with pumpkin spice, and Seasonal Affective Disorder is beginning to set in. I’ve struggled with SAD for years and used to absolutely DREAD the winter time. The anticipation of winter put a damper on my love of all things Fall because I couldn’t help but think about what was waiting for me as soon as the time changed.

We are so excited to share that our practice is moving to a beautiful new space in Mt. Auburn!

You might think of seasonal depression as something you have to endure every year or perhaps your stress level is chronically triggered by professional, school, or personal commitments. When these situations become nearly something you can set your watch by as cause and effect to your personal wellbeing, you may benefit from strategizing with a mental health toolkit that includes several coping strategies.

The holiday season often overloads our senses.

People sometimes come to therapy seeking out answers about “why” they are feeling a certain way. They sometimes come wanting help to identify a new way of interacting with the world or develop new coping skills. Sometimes, they just want a safe, comfortable place where they can share their inner thoughts without fear of judgment from friends or family. No matter the reason, therapy is often helpful. 

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed as a parent, and your kids might also be experiencing huge spikes in their levels of anxiety. Remember these tips to make the transition smoother for the entire family.

For those of you who have experienced depression before, you start to learn the signs that a storm is brewing.

Ah yoga. You see the Lululemon ads, your doctor tells you it’s “healthy,” your best friend swears by it.