"Biological factors also contribute to this vulnerability. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression linked to seasonal changes, typically emerges in the fall and winter due to reduced sunlight exposure. SAD affects up to 9 to 10 percent of individuals in northern regions, while only about 1 to 2 percent are affected in sunnier areas such as Los Angeles. Even without meeting diagnostic criteria, many people experience seasonal shifts in mood and emotional regulation, making winter a difficult period for emotional balance."
"In my practice, I encourage patients to cry. Crying serves as an essential emotional release, yet many people find it surprisingly difficult. From early childhood, we are often taught (explicitly or implicitly) to suppress emotional expression. Cultural and familial norms dictate when and how crying is acceptable, creating invisible barriers that disconnect us from this natural response. In some cultures, boys are taught that crying signifies weakness, leading to shame or embarrassment around emotional expression."
New Year's Eve often functions as a temporal landmark that prompts intense self-evaluation, and the post-holiday period can trigger financial stress, loneliness, and anxiety over unmet resolutions. Seasonal biological factors such as reduced sunlight contribute to vulnerability through seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is far more common in northern regions than in sunny areas. Many people experience seasonal mood shifts even without a formal diagnosis, making winter emotionally challenging. Cultural and familial norms frequently teach suppression of crying from early childhood, and professional settings often stigmatize visible emotion, creating barriers to healthy emotional release.
#seasonal-affective-disorder #crying-and-emotional-expression #cultural-norms #new-year-temporal-landmark
Read at Psychology Today
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