In today’s hyper-connected world, stress has become an almost constant companion for working professionals. Emails don’t stop after hours, deadlines seem never-ending, and work-life balance has begun to feel more like a myth than a goal. Over time, chronic stress can affect not just productivity, but physical health, relationships, and emotional well-being. So if you’re feeling the pressure, it’s time to hook yourself up with professional support. 

Effective Stress Management for Working Adults 

It’s easy to normalize high stress levels when they’re part of the daily grind. But when stress interferes with your sleep, mood, or ability to enjoy life, that’s no good. Luckily, certain small, consistent changes can make a big difference. Some effective stress management strategies for professionals include: 

• Setting firm work-life boundaries and unplugging during personal time 

• Practicing deep breathing, mindfulness, or guided meditation 

• Prioritizing physical activity to release tension and boost energy 

• Taking regular breaks during the workday to reset your focus 

• Talking to a therapist to identify stress triggers and build resilience 

You don’t have to wait until burnout hits—support is available to help you regain balance before stress becomes overwhelming. Therapy offers a space to examine your habits, thought patterns, and emotional responses to pressure. Give it a try! 

Individual Therapy for Stress Done Right 

Whether you’re navigating leadership roles, remote work challenges, or simply juggling too much, therapy can help you regain clarity and calm—one session at a time. Get started today by scheduling your first! Our compassionate providers understand the demands of professional life and tailor treatment to fit your lifestyle.

If your mood noticeably shifts during the fall and winter months, you might be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly known as SAD. This form of depression is linked to changes in sunlight exposure and biological rhythms, making it more than just a case of the “winter blues.” Symptoms of this condition often begin in late fall and can persist until spring. So, how do you manage it? 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Seasonal Depression 

The first thing you need to do is figure out if you’re experiencing seasonal depression or another condition. Common signs of depression include: 

• Low mood or persistent sadness 

• Sleep disruptions or oversleeping 

• Decreased energy and motivation 

• Increased cravings for carbs or weight gain 

• Withdrawal from social activities 

If these symptoms feel familiar and follow a seasonal pattern, it could be SAD. 

Tips for Managing Winter Depression 

While there’s no single solution, several strategies can ease the weight of seasonal depression. The first is getting more light. Even 15–20 minutes can lift your mood! It’s also a good idea to exercise regularly. People tend to start moving less as it gets colder, but movement releases feel-good chemicals that improve energy. Additionally, sticking to your routine despite the weather changes will help stabilize your mood and sleep. Finally, maintaining connections with others through the colder months will be beneficial. 

Get to Feeling Like Yourself Again With a Little Outside Help 

Seasonal depression is real, but it’s also treatable. In addition to lifestyle changes, working with a therapist can help you manage thoughts and patterns that worsen SAD. Therapy may include cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and support planning for seasonal transitions. If you want to feel like yourself again, schedule an appointment with a therapist who understands SAD and can help you thrive—no matter the season. 

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that typically occurs after individuals have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a serious accident, natural disaster, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault.

In the past, PTSD went by different names. During and right after the years of World War 1, the term “shell shock” was often used. After World War 2, “combat fatigue” was the term that signified a reaction to a high level of stress or trauma.

It’s important to mention that PTSD is not experienced only by combat veterans, but can occur in all people. According to PTSD United, an estimated 24.4 million people in the United States have PTSD at any given time. That is equal to the total population of Texas.

What is it Like to Have PTSD?

Sufferers of PTSD continue to have intense and disturbing thoughts and feelings regarding the traumatic experiencing. Though the event itself may have taken place weeks, months or even years ago, the thoughts and feelings are fresh in the person’s mind. They may relive events through flashbacks or nightmares.

Often individuals feel isolated and detached from other people, and take great measures to avoid situations that may remind them of the traumatic event. They may even have strong, negative reactions to ordinary experiences that involve noises or an accidental touch.

Symptoms of PTSD

Symptoms of PTSD fall into four categories and can vary in severity from individual to individual.

1. Intrusive Thoughts

Intrusive thoughts can take many forms: involuntary memories, nightmares and flashbacks are commonly experienced by those with PTSD. These thoughts can be so completely vivid that the individual fully believes they are reliving the traumatic experience in the moment.

1. Avoiding Situations

Avoiding any and all reminders of the traumatic event typically requires the individual to avoid people, places, activities and situations that can bring on disturbing memories and thoughts. Individuals may also avoid conversations about the experience and lash out at those who ask if they want to talk about it.

1. Distorted Ideas

It is common for those with PTSD to have distorted thoughts and beliefs about themselves or others, ongoing fear, anger, guilt or shame. These thoughts can look like, “I am a bad person,” “I can’t trust anyone,” or “I should have died, not her.” As a result of these distortions, individuals often have less interest in activities they once enjoyed and also begin to feel detached or estranged from loved others.

1. Reactive Behavior

Reactive behavior associated with PTSD can include having angry outbursts, becoming easily irritable, behaving recklessly or in a self-destructive way, being easily startled, or having problems concentrating or sleeping.

Many people who experience a traumatic event may experience symptoms like these in the days following the event. However, people with PTSD will experience these symptoms for months and even years. PTSD often occurs with other related conditions, such as depression, substance use, memory problems and other physical and mental health problems.

If you or someone you know is living with PTSD and is interested in exploring treatment, please contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I may be able to help.