Sundays Comic Strips: Winter Blues and Valentine's Cards for Single People

Thought for the Day: I had trouble choosing which photos to post today and decided to post two. After yet another snow storm this week, the creative snow sculpture from Duchess County Fairgrounds on Facebook's post was too funny not to share right now. In my practice as a psychologist, almost every session begins with people, myself included, questioning their sanity wondering why they are living in Connecticut.  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) diagnosis have sky rocketed this year and sales of natural spectrum light fixtures are at a record high. Since around half of the country has been affected by one of the worst winters in years, keeping our sense of humor will help us all cope with the weather till spring finally arrives. When it does we will appreciate it more than usual.

If you have had enough cold and snow, PLEASE...Raise Your Hands
Photo from Duchess County Fairgrounds on Facebook

The second comic photo I chose is related to Valentine's Day. With all the hype about Valentine's Day many people forget how depressing the holiday is for people who are single and not in a relationship. If you don't have a special relationship, just broke up or are going through a divorce, Valentine's Day can be a very painful reminder of what is missing in your life. You can take advantage of 1/2 price chocolate and try to eat away your sadness. Humor, on the other hand, is a less fattening way to cope with Valentine's Blues. The writers at Buzz feed created some funny cards to give to yourself. Here's one that I chose, but you can click the link below to see more funny cards!

Valentine’s Cards For Single People To Give To Themselves

Because if you’re going to buy yourself chocolate, you might as well give yourself a card.

See more on Buzz Feed

Thursday's Psychology Trivia Answer: Seasonal Affective Disorder Can Strike In Any Season

Thought for the Day: Some children are already back in school others are anticipating starting back after this weekend, making this a busy time for everyone. I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend and savor the end of summer.

On Tuesday's Psychology Trivia Question we asked:
True or False: 10 percent of those diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder suffer symptoms at the brightest time of the year. 

The answer is True. Although most people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) have are depressed during the winter months when there is less natural sunlight, some people find summer months difficult. In an article, Got the Summer Blues? 5 Ideas That May Help,  Therese J. Borchard, associate editor of PsychCentral reports that:

"For many people, the summer months are the most difficult. In fact, 10 percent of those diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder suffer symptoms at the brightest time of the year. The summer’s brutal heat, bright light, and long days can contribute to depression for the opposite reasons that the winter does. Like typical SAD, the change of light can affect a person’s circadium rhythm, which may disturb overall health and sleep patterns."

As we rapidly move into fall and then winter the other 90% of people who suffer from SAD may want to get their sun lamps ready!

Tuesday's Psychology Trivia: Facts About S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Thought for the Day: As summer draws to a close & we approach the colder weather and the season for S.A.D., Seasonal Affective Disorder, here's Tuesday's Psychology Trivia Question about on S.A.D.:

True or False: 10 percent of those diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder suffer symptoms at the brightest time of the year.

What do you thinnk? Come back on Thursday for the answer.