Written by: Melissa Enoch, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
December 2022 marks the last month of the year and brings with it many celebrations that involve family activities, family functions and the connections that come with all of the celebrations. Unfortunately, those activities begin and end during the months that many people also suffer from what has come to be known by the acronym S.A.D. which stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression that is related to the changes in seasons. Mayo Clinic cites that there are more than 3 million US cases of SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder per year and occurs in climates where there is less sunlight at certain times.
Gratefully, it is treatable by a medical professional, only lasts a few months with many people capable of self-diagnosing. Mental Health Therapists, could be considered as a “medical professional” asking screening questions that can only take a few minutes such as Do you feel down when the days are cloudy and have no sunlight? Do you feel moody more often in the winter than the other times of the year? If it is cold, rainy or snowing, do you find it hard to get out of bed? If there is no sunlight outside, do you feel like you have no energy?
If you consistently affirmatively answer many of the questions, the diagnosis could point to either Mild, Moderate or Severe Seasonal Affective Disorder, and depending upon the level; the answer could be as simple as getting more exercises and making an effort to go outside to the possibility of the doctor prescribing a temporary prescription of anti-depressants to help get through the season. Scheduling an appointment with the doctor or therapist answering some basic screening questions could lead the suggestion to contacting the therapist for a more thorough assessment.
This assessment could help delve into more pointed issues such as the difference between Sadness and Depression, coming to the realization that feeling Sad is a normal feeling that everyone experiences, it is the mind and body’s way of helping you express your thoughts, feelings and the possibility that something is missing from your life that needs to be addressed; and can the struggle can be the result of some unanswered situations from childhood that surfaces when the body is depleted of the neurotransmitters; epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin during this time of the year. These neurotransmitters regulate mood and behaviors.
Once this assessment is completed by the therapist, there is an agreement that is made between you and the therapist about things that can assist with helping work through the concerns during this season, known as a treatment plan. Working with the therapist on a short-term basis may be enough to help encourage healthy coping skills are in place throughout the season, including helping with the completion of basic task, creation and implementation of self-care activity, celebrate successes, development of a schedule that includes fun, play, meditation, exercise and participation in psychotherapy also known as talk therapy to identify the childhood memories that are continuing to resurface causing mental, emotional difficulties during this time of year.
Hopefully, someone that reads this article has identified their concerns and realizes that most mental health disorders have a beginning, a strategy and a treatment. Treatment begins when
There is an opportunity to learn, grow and heal.
Taking charge of the situation is that answer to addressing the issue.
Staying focused on the matter at hand is imperative to its resolution
Focusing on the areas of concerns one issue at a time prevents from becoming distracting.
If the issue or situations keep repeating, then it requires a resolution.
Research has found there is an association between avoidance and resolution.
Remain open for suggestions to assist with the resolution of the issue.
Seeking out the real root cause of the struggle is the key to its resolution.
Be vigilant.
Stay calm throughout the process.
Do not generalize your situation with anyone else’s situation.
Ask all the questions needed both with medical professional, therapist, family and friends for any insight.
Be honest with self and others about concerns.
Stay in the first person when focusing on the thoughts, feelings and emotions associated with the issue.
Remain humble.
Take one step at a time as you work through the issue.
If learn that there is a pattern in behavior passed down through generations, stay focused yourself throughout this process.
Understand that the need for greater understanding may occur that may be difficult, but will be for the better.
Find a resolution; otherwise it will continue to persist.
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Melissa Enoch, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Melissa Enoch is Owner/CEO/Director of Trinity Counseling Services LLC, a private substance abuse and mental health facility located in Burlington and Charlotte, where she uses her twenty-eight years of experience to educate individuals about various mental health and substance use disorder topics. Melissa is also the founder of Women of Strength, a non-profit educational organization focused on women's networking and community awareness. In her spare time, Melissa is interested in making jewelry, shooting photography, and mentoring young professionals.
