Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real disorder.  It is a type of depression that occurs with the changing of seasons, usually from fall through winter, and happens because of less sunlight.  It is more common in women and those who live farther from the equator.  It can affect your mood, sleep, and appetite and begin to interfere with work, relationships and other daily activities.

Symptoms include the feeling of sadness, loss of interest in activities, change in sleep and appetite, loss of energy and increased fatigue, feeling angry or irritable, trouble concentrating and making decisions, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Treatment modalities include light therapy, counseling, and/or medication.  Light therapy involves a person sitting in front of light box for about 15 minutes.  It is believed that the light will balance circadian rhythm and increase serotonin in the brain.  Counseling is a great treatment because Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you to change your negative thoughts about SAD and learn useful behaviors so that you can cope during the winter months.  Anti-depressants can be used in conjunction with counseling and light therapy. 

Tips to ease SAD include spending time outdoors and physical activity.  You could join a gym or look online for a walking club near you.  Go for a walk during the day even when it’s cloudy or take Fido for walk.  This gives your brain the break it needs from screentime at work but pumps your body with the good chemicals to help you feel better.  Plan social gatherings with friends or family.  That get-together you’ve been putting off because you’re oh-so-busy?  Call up your friends and invite them over for the big game on Sunday.  Start planning for Thanksgiving dinner by searching for new delicious recipes.  Get a jump start on Christmas decorating or shopping.  Maintain a healthy diet and adequate sleep.  We are all too familiar with the alarm clock in the morning but consider setting a reminder on your phone to go to bed.  This will get your body and mind used to going to bed at the same time, which can help regulate your circadian rhythm.  

"The best way out is always through."  Robert Frost

I know it's early, but I'm excited to announce that I'll be a vendor Wentzville School Districts Staff Wellness Fair on Monday, August 12, 2019 at Timberland High School.  This year I will be having a giveaway, but I haven't decided what it is yet.  Any ideas?  If you're a teacher or staff member in the WSD, come out and see me.  I will have information to help with those stressful work days when the students just aren't focusing or are rambunctious.  Maybe your home life is chaotic and you're at your wits end.  Whatever is stressing you out, I am here to help.  I accept Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield to help make counseling easier to afford.   I hope to see you then!

DDP was created by Dan Hughes, a Clinical Psychologist from Pennsylvania.  It is a family-based therapy and is focused on helping children develop a secure attachment with their adoptive and/or foster parents.  Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy, known as PACE, is used to help children regulate their feelings about their past and create new meanings in the child's life story.

I completed Level 1 training this month and was completely fascinated by this type of therapy.  After 7 hours of listening and comprehending this new therapy, I was exhausted and just wanted to eat dinner and go to bed as soon as possible.  But on the drive home, I decided I would to try this out with my son, who is adopted.  He is frequently asking me to play with him and I usually am busy doing something else.   But this time I got down on the floor and played with his LEGOs letting him lead the way (using Playfulness).   An hour later it was time for bath, books, and bed, which is usually a source of frustration for my son and my husband and me.   I cannot tell you how smoothly this particular night actually went!   We were thrilled that just that little amount of attention helped him to listen to us.  I will stress that Playfulness doesn't always mean physically playing with your child.   My husband is great at having a playful voice and matching our son's playful intensity.

If your foster or adoptive child isn't attaching like you expected due to developmental trauma, contact me and we can work together to help you both learn a new way to communicate.   Here is more information on DDP:  https://ddpnetwork.org/.