Brittany Culp MS LPC Associate

I am privileged to be co-facilitating another cycle of our women’s group through Distinctive Counseling and Consulting via telehealth. This group is designed for women by women. If you or anybody you know is 18 years and up, and have been looking for an affordable and convenient form of therapy, this is for you. Visit the Distinctive website to learn more information or feel free to give our friendly office staff a call with any questions. Let us support you as you

The month of May is mental health awareness month. In honor of this, I will be discussing mental health in regards to specific groups each week throughout the month. The first week is dedicated towards older adults, and how to support their unique mental health needs. As we age, we may experience life changes that impact our mental health. Only in recent years has the discussion of mental health become less stigmatized. For previous generations, it can be difficult to change those negative perceptions.

It’s never too late to get help. Discussing mental health more can help older adults feel more comfortable asking for support. Spending time with friends and family can boost older adults’ mental and physical health. Age joyfully! Consider your passions and interests and pursue something that brings you happiness and fulfillment. Remember that mental health support is available to you if you need it. Visit samhsa.gov/resources-serving-older-adults to learn more.

Does winter have you feeling a little down lately? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can cause significant changes in one’s mood and behavior whenever the seasons change. This is commonly referred to as seasonal depression. Among those who experience SAD, it is most common for symptoms to start in the late fall or early winter and go away around spring or early summer (winter pattern SAD). Some other people experience depressive symptoms during the spring and summer months (summer pattern SAD). SAD is a type of depression characterized by a seasonal pattern, in which symptoms last 4 to 5 months out of the year. It should not be confused with the holiday blues, as the depression associated with SAD is related to the change in daylight hours, not the calendar. Causes may include imbalances of serotonin and melatonin in the body, vitamin D deficiency and lack of direct sunlight exposure, and certain predispositions such as genetics, or having anxiety, ADHD, or bipolar disorder.

Symptoms include:
🔵Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood most of the day nearly every day for a minimum of two weeks.
🔵Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
🔵Feelings of irritability, restlessness, or frustration.
🔵Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
🔵Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities.
🔵Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down.
🔵Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
🔵Changes in sleep or appetite, or unplanned weight changes.
🔵Thoughts of death or su***de, or su***de attempts.
⚠️Depressive episodes must occur during specific seasons for at least two consecutive years in order to be diagnosed as SAD.

Treatment may include one or a combination of the following:
✨Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
✨Antidepressant medications
✨Light therapy and increased Vitamin D
✨Massage therapy

If you are interested in talk therapy, you can visit the Distinctive Counseling website to fill out an appointment request and request me as your therapist. I offer in person appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or I also offer telehealth Monday through Friday which means you can reside anywhere in the state of Texas.

Distinctive Counseling & Consulting, PLLC Your next step toward healing Why we do what we doOur goal is to help individuals and families overcome their respective challenges or traumatic experiences through a therapeutic relationship involving evidenced-based treatment modalities. Whether you are an individual or family in need of counselin...