Understanding and Helping Seasonal Affective Disorder – SAD is a mood disorder which, according to the online resource Here to Help BC, affects 2-3% of Canadians. Those suffering with SAD notice a dip in their mood as the seasons change, particularly from Fall to Winter. Days grow shorter and sunlight diminishes. Certain climates are also known for their relentless lack of sunshine.

Hope. Promise. New beginnings. The New Year is a time when many of us take stock of our lives and, with renewed vision for ourselves, want to turn over a new leaf. A New Year’s resolution is often a logical place to start. The Reality – The reality is, however, that many of us choose resolutions which are doomed to fail. Why? It all starts with good intentions.

Expectations

‘Tis the season to be jolly! Or is it? Our society is steeped in expectations about the holidays, both religious and secular:

* Being home for the holidays
* Family togetherness and tradition
* Religious celebrations; attending places of worship
* Gift giving; spending beyond our limits
* Decorating, crafting, baking, tree trimming
* Upholding myths for children

While for some, these messages reverberate in a meaningful way and become cherished traditions, for others, they are felt as pressure and constitute a source of stress. And, when our experiencing of such activities does not match our expectations about how these activities should be or feel, we may be disappointed and dejected. We may also feel as if we have failed in some way.