Family Counselling Centre

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) In most cases, seasonal affective disorder symptoms appear during late fall or early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer. Less commonly, people with the opposite pattern have symptoms that begin in spring or summer. In either case, symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses. Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include: - Oversleeping - Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates - Weight gain - Tiredness or low energy Take signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder seriously. As with other types of depression, SAD can get worse and lead to problems if it's not treated. These can include: - Social withdrawal - School or work problems - Substance abuse - Other mental health disorders such as anxiety or eating disorders - Suicidal thoughts or behaviour It's normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can't get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, reach out for help. *If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 or explore the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.* 📞 #familycounsellingcentresarnia #family #counselling #therapy #therapythoughts #sarniaontario #connection #support #supportlocal #lambtoncounty #MentalHealthMonday

Happy New Year 🥳 We will be open tomorrow January 2nd, 2025 ❄️ #familycounsellingcentresarnia #family #counselling #therapy #therapythoughts #sarniaontario #connection #support #supportlocal #lambtoncounty

Smart goals and New Year’s resolutions How to make changes in the New Year 🎉 1. Make one small measurable and observable change at a time 2. Make these changes with someone else OR find a person to be accountable to 3. Make the change for 21 days, no matter what #familycounsellingcentresarnia #family #counselling #therapy #therapythoughts #sarniaontario #connection #support #supportlocal #lambtoncounty

Merry Christmas from our family to yours 🎄 #familycounsellingcentresarnia #family #counselling #therapy #therapythoughts #sarniaontario #connection #support #supportlocal #lambtoncounty

Holiday Hours Closed for Christmas Day and Opening January 2nd, 2025 ❄️ While the holiday blues are common for many this time of year, extreme anxiety or depression should not be ignored. We are here for you. *If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 or explore the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.* 📞 #familycounsellingcentresarnia #family #counselling #therapy #therapythoughts #sarniaontario #connection #support #supportlocal #lambtoncounty

10 tips to reduce stress and take care of yourself during the holidays 1. Don’t over schedule yourself 📝 The holiday season is a time of parties and other social gatherings. Remember that you don't have to do it all. Your happiness is an important consideration in planning how you spend your time. 2. Simplify travel and limit car time 🚗 🧳 Travel can be especially stressful during the holiday season. If you must travel, do what you can to make it as easy as possible on yourself. Try to get direct flights or at least minimize the number of stops along the way. You'll avoid the stress of having to rush from one plane to the next or having to wait around for long periods of time. 3. Manage gift giving 🎁 For many, the holidays are a time of gift giving. This can be a lot of fun, but it can also be financially stressful. Do your best to make a budget and stay within the spending limits that you have set. 4. Be responsible about food and alcohol consumption 🍷 Many of us succumb to the pressure to overeat or drink to excess during the holidays. Try to stay within your usual guidelines for healthy eating and responsible drinking. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 5. Enjoy family on your terms 🎄 While it can be enjoyable to see family during the holidays, some people find extended family time to be stressful. Do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself. 6. Respect differences ❤️ We all have different perspectives on a variety of things. There's quite a lot that can divide us and bring tension to social gatherings. Do your best to find and focus on our common ground. We are all better off when we seek peace and understanding with one another. 7. Take time for yourself ⏰ Take a break from the rushing around, the shopping, the cooking, and the cleaning. Set aside time to read a good book, watch your favorite movie, go for a bike ride or take a nap. 8. Honour the losses of the year 💐 🕯️ The holidays can be especially challenging for those of us who have lost loved ones. Be sure to make space for your grief. Consider changing up your traditions to make your feelings of loss more manageable. You can also find a new way to weave in the memory of your loved one into your existing holiday traditions. 9. Don't forget routine maintenance 💤 Eat regularly. Exercise. Get a massage. Meditate. Don't forget to breathe. Get plenty of sleep. 10. Reach out if you need help 👋🏻 If you know that this time of year is typically hard for you, lean on your friends and family. Talk to them about how you're feeling and let them help you set boundaries and practice self-care. While the holiday blues are common for many this time of year, extreme anxiety or depression should not be ignored. We are here for you. *If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 or explore the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.* 📞

Dealing with Burnout: 6 Key Strategies Dealing with burnout requires a combination of self-care practices, lifestyle adjustments, and seeking support. 1. Recognize the Signs The first step in dealing with burnout is to acknowledge and identify the signs and symptoms. Be mindful of chronic fatigue, emotional exhaustion, decreased performance, and physical symptoms. Recognizing burnout is crucial to taking action. 2. Set Boundaries Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid overextending yourself by saying "no" when necessary and prioritizing your well-being. Setting boundaries helps prevent excessive stress and burnout. 3. Practice Self-Care Prioritize self-care activities that promote physical and mental well-being. This includes getting enough sleep, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises. 4. Take Regular Breaks Incorporate short breaks into your daily routine to recharge. Even a few minutes of stretching, a brief walk, or a moment of mindfulness can help alleviate stress and prevent burnout. 5. Seek Support Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support. Talking about your feelings and experiences can provide valuable insights and emotional relief. Professional counseling or therapy may be particularly helpful for managing burnout. 6. Re-evaluate Priorities Reflect on your goals, values, and priorities. Are you aligning your actions with what truly matters to you? Consider making adjustments in your career or personal life to ensure your daily activities align with your long-term well-being and happiness.

9-8-8 responders have answered over 300,000 calls & texts since launch over a year ago 📱 📞 #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmonday #mentalhealthawareness #familycounsellingcentresarnia

Sending support to all the women who.. 💜 🤍 Today & everyday #endviolenceagainstwomen #endviolenceagainstwomenandgirls #familycounsellingcentresarnia #womensupportingwomen

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women The annual commemoration on December 6th marks the 1989 massacre at Montreal’s École Polytechnique massacre. Learn more at the link below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gq4TCG_M