Seasonal depression can be dangerous, especially for those with addiction issues.
Who knew there was a most depressing day of the year? Dr. Cliff Arnall, a British researcher from Cardiff University, did. He recently pinpointed Jan. 18 as 2010’s most depressing day. To arrive at this, he factored in everything from post-holiday blahs and debt to failed New Year’s resolutions and the weather.
On the bright side, that means the worst is over because if you’re reading this, you survived that dreaded day. For those suffering from the winter blahs, though, that offers little comfort. (more…)
Substance abuse and mental health professionals are at risk of “compassion fatigue.” How do they stay healthy so they can be there to help for years to come?
It can be hard to avoid the urge to “couple up” during the first year of recovery, but some treatment programs go out of their way to make it easier to stay focused. 
Aretha Franklin had it right when she demanded R-E-S-P-E-C-T in her famous song. We need to keep that same tune in mind when interacting with anyone who is dealing with a substance abuse problem. 
Does it seem like you’re not making any progress? Is recovery just not moving fast enough to satisfy you? Trust me, you’re not the only one who feels that way. But before you get too discouraged, take a look outside.
As the holidays approach and the to-do list grows, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed. The growing Christmas list, the crowds at the mall, the long lines at the grocery store, the endless parties and obligations… before you know it, you’re stressed out. It doesn’t help that the days are shorter and colder, making it tempting to huddle inside where it’s warm and hibernate. But the winter weather has more to offer than just chapped lips and static cling. The nature around us can do a lot to combat stress and depression - if you’ll only give it the chance.
Emotional pain is part of emotional health, and every one of us has found our own path to our own pain. If that’s tough news, tough. It’s also reality therapy. So however you think you got here in your life, or who you think got you here, and whether you’re suffering from the need to please, the blame game, or simply sitting there wearing a feeling-sorry-for-yourself party hat at your own pity party, it’s time you knew the party is over.