The Blues of the Season

Does the beginning of the holiday season bring dread into your heart? As you
go into the stores and see the decorations going up does it bring tears
to your eyes, rather than a twinkle & a smile?

Many people suffer from seasonal depression, particularly now, between
November-January. For some it is the memories of better days, while
for others the solitary hours that are their daily lives. Still many will tell you
this time of the year has always made them "blue".

The temptation will be there to try to cheer these suffering folks up or get them into the "holiday spirit". Without trying to motivate them, go and be with them instead. When much of the world is in a celebratory mood, you may not understand. But give them an opportunity to tell you their "story". For someone who is surrounded by "blue" instead of the traditional red, brown & gold of this holiday season just being there & hearing them is an incredible, caring gift.




Jodi H. Underhill MEd. LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Certified K-12 Guidance Counselor License #MH9166 Phone: 386.747.7148 Fax: 407.264.8289

Women, Mixed Up In Friendship?

Women friendships are complex in nature. Add children, spouses, or even pets into the "mix" and
it all becomes extremely difficult to navigate. If the friends are opposites, one shy, for example
and one extroverted...perhaps it is easier, as each can use their strengths to make contributions
to the relationship. But if similar in nature...for example both strong willed
and opinionated..even simple situations will be seen as a power struggle...
threatening and misunderstood...leading to hurt feelings, anger and resentment.

Unlike men women do not learn early to compartmentalize unless they are involved in sports
or are raised in a home that does not push the old school female agenda. Boys & men
can separate business from friendship, losing from socializing, while girls and
women not so much! Many women are smashing the glass ceiling professionally these days...
but still haven 't developed the talent or ability to be able to "leave it on the field"...or the office, school, business, etc.....unable to separate feelings from situations in which they find themselves,with the same individuals. Most men can go have a beer after a competition or business debate....while women doing likewise over a glass a wine?  Well, don't think so! More likely most women will will take it home and analyze it only to carry it over well into the next day if not several more to come.

All stereotypical of course...but has honestly observed in many female friendships on any given day. For all of our wonderful female abilities of expression and emotional understanding, women tend to create more "drama" than is ever needed or called for. Mixed up? What do you think?






Jodi H. Underhill MEd. LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Certified K-12 Guidance Counselor License #MH9166 Phone: 386.747.7148 Fax: 386.873.4311