How to Break Free From Post Holiday Blues

The holidays are over, and New Year's celebrations have become last week's event. Parents and relatives have gone back home, and the greenery and ornaments have been put away until next year. For many of us, its time to go back to work after an extended week of holiday vacation. But is everyone ready to resume their normal routine?

After all the holiday parties and exchanging of gifts, it can be a little hard to find something to look forward to in the beginning of the year. This type of gloom is actually normal, but if you find that your mood is affecting your quality of work or your relationship with coworkers, family, and friends, it may be time to reach out and talk to someone.

The reason why post-holiday depression is typical is because of something called "seasonal affective disorder", or SAD. SAD is a type of depression that occurs in the winter season, when the days grow short and a lack of sunlight deprives people of their usual amount of Vitamin D. For those of us spending long days in the office, without any sun, depression can run rampant. Be sure to take time out of your work day to soak in some sun! If possible, have lunch outside, take a walk around the building or down the street. Just being outside for 30 minutes can do wonders for your mood.

If you find yourself struggling to meet deadlines or keep up with your job's demands after the holidays, you may be stuck in a post-holiday funk. Here at Gateway Counseling Center, our counselors are always here to help you.

Happy January,

Gateway Counseling
www.gatewaycounseling.com
561-797-0631

Tips To Prevent Stress and Depression During the Holidays

The holiday season tends to bring on feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety. The National Center for Health Statistics indicates a 15% increase in the number of individuals who actively seek help for emotional disorders during the month of December. Experts attribute this sudden spike in stress to heightened seasonal demands including shopping for gifts, hosting parties, and reuniting with family. Instead of letting the holidays bring you down, follow a few simple steps to battle your stress triggers before they have a chance to snowball out of control.

• Accept Your Feelings
• Clear Your Mind and Just Breathe
• Take Some Time For Yourself
• If You Feel Lonely, Seek Out Support In The Community
• Create a Plan For Activities and Shopping Lists
• Stick To a Budget; Money Can't Buy Happiness.
• Accept Family and Friends As They Are
• Be Understanding If Others Get Upset or Distressed
• It's OK to Say No If You're Feeling Overwhelmed
• Hold On To Healthy Habits; Get Plenty of Sleep and Exercise
• Find New Ways To Celebrate Old Traditions
• Take Off The Pressure: The Holidays Don't Have To Be Perfect
• Seek Professional Help

Remember, here at Gateway Counseling Center, we're here to help you year-round. If you live in the Palm Beach area and are experiencing holiday blues, feel free to give us a call at 561-797-0631.

Is Depression Becoming an Issue?

Is depression becoming an issue for you? Are you feeling down most or all of the time? It may be the right time to seek some counseling and reassurance from Gateway Counseling Center. We are located in Boynton Beach, Florida, and we specialize in helping people cope with depression issues. We would like to help you too!

Gateway Counseling Center is well known for helping people in their times of need. Emotional distress is a real factor for many people, and you are not alone if you feel that you may be depressed. Struggling withdepression is a serious battle, and we can help you identify some of the factors in your life that may need to change.

You’re not alone, and we are here to listen to what you have to say. Call Gateway Counseling Center today for a complimentary consultation. We are looking forward to your call! Our phone number is 561-797-0631.

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and Anxiety currently affect millions of American adults. These two conditions are relatively easily treatable, and it’s always good to get treated sooner than later. Those who wait to get treatment often wonder why they waited so long after they finally do! Gateway Counseling specializes in these two disorders, and it’s recommended to come in for a free consultation to discuss your concerns.

You do not have to needlessly suffer from depression or anxiety. Some cases of these conditions can be treated with psychotherapy alone. Sometimes, medication is necessary, and we can help you decide if it might be the right option for your treatment. Each case is specific, and we look forward to helping you on your journey to recovery.

Come in for a free consultation with Gateway Counseling. We are located in Boynton Beach, Florida. Our phone number is 561-797-0631, and you can visit our website to read more about depression and anxiety at: http://www.gatewaycounseling.com/services/depression-anxiety/. We are looking forward to meeting you soon!

Gateway Counseling Saved Our Marriage

When my husband and I started growing apart, we could feel the distance between us. After several years of marriage, we knew we needed to rekindle what we had lost. Gradually, we had begun arguing about non-issues. It felt as if there was trouble in paradise. It was his suggestion that we tried counseling. I was apprehensive at first, but soon realized that this was the best decision we had ever made.

The friendly staff at Gateway Counseling gave us an initial evaluation and saw that we were clearly fighting to save our marriage. They were very supportive of our love for each other, and they helped us confront some of the issues that were facing us. Sometimes, it’s good to have a third person to explain things when it becomes difficult to talk to each other.

We felt very comfortable at Gateway Counseling, and we would recommend it to anyone! You will know when the time comes for counseling. It could be what saves your marriage. If you’re ready, contact Gateway at 561-797-0631 for a consultation. You might thank yourself for the rest of your life!

Discover Hope Again: Depression Counseling

Mood disorders are among the most treatable symptoms for depression counseling. Depression counseling should be strongly considered  if you or a loved one are experiencing five or more of the following symptoms for a major portion of your day for longer than two weeks:

• Overwhelming sadness
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Weight loss or gain
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Fatigue or low energy
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Trouble concentrating
• Irritability
• Thoughts of suicide

Remember that depression is a treatable illness. Our expert counseling staff is highly trained in the best clinical treatments for major depression. You don't have to face this alone. Feelings of grief and sadness are natural responses to tragic events in life, however,  if you or a loved one strongly identify with the symptoms listed above you may be suffering from a major depression disorder. Our counseling center is here to help you walk through your journey to recovery. Contact us today and discover hope again.