“You can never understand one language until you understand at least two”
by Geoffrey Willans
With today’s technology, communication feels both easier and more complex than ever. The start of 2025 brought some unexpected shifts, including the announcement that the popular app TikTok might be leaving us. For many, this wasn’t just a minor inconvenience—it felt like a significant loss. TikTok wasn’t just a “silly app.” It became a unique space to communicate, share, learn, and connect.
TikTok functioned as a living, breathing diary—a platform where you could respond to others, share publicly or privately, vent, or grow a business. There’s nothing quite like it, and its potential absence reminds me of the rise and fall of other platforms I’ve lived through.
I started with MySpace in high school (remember Tom in his white T-shirt?), learning how to customize profiles with music, journal entries, and a “Top 8” friends list. Then there were quieter platforms like private blogs or forums where you could write and comment with friends. Facebook took over in college, introducing a new way to connect, network, and share life updates. LinkedIn became the professional space to showcase achievements and connect with professors and potential employers, evolving into a place for posts, articles, and business networking.
Then came Instagram and Snapchat, offering visual and ephemeral communication, and eventually Musical.ly, which transformed into TikTok. TikTok stood out by allowing for visual blogs, real-time responses, and a chance to connect deeply through creativity.
I used TikTok not only for fun but also for work. It became a tool to learn, understand trends clients were talking about, and even help discern fact from opinion in session discussions. It was also a place to decompress, share interests, and grow. Even though I wasn’t great at editing or creating, TikTok made it accessible and enjoyable.
When the ban hit for those 12 hours, it made me pause and think about the future of online communication. How will we adapt if TikTok leaves for good? It’s a reminder to take care of ourselves in times of transition. Here are a few ideas:
Make a list of other ways to connect and communicate with friends and communities.
Follow your favorite creators on other apps.
Download those recipes, tips, or videos you want to keep!
Explore “old-school” methods of communication—like writing letters. There’s something genuinely special about sending and receiving mail.
The way we communicate online will keep evolving, but we’ll find ways to stay connected, just as we always have. What’s your favorite way to communicate online? What platforms have shaped your journey? Let’s talk about it!
We all face challenges, and sometimes it’s important to reflect on what they are and how we deal with them. For me, one of my biggest struggles is doing what I want to do when I want to do it. I’ll try to start a task, but quickly become overwhelmed by the number of steps involved or find myself unable to figure out where to begin. Sometimes, I start a task and then see another task that catches my attention, so I float to that one, and then another, because everything feels interconnected. By the end of the day, I’ve worked on several things, but nothing is completely done. Add adulting stress to the mix, with piles of things to do (also known as “doom piles”), and those small piles feel like mountains.
Back in 2022, I was meeting with a new personal provider to change my anxiety medications, who suggested I didn’t have anxiety, but rather ADD. Since then, I’ve experimented with stimulants, which worked for a while before losing their effectiveness. I’ve also tried other medications that didn’t help much. While I’ve been focusing on other areas of my health, I plan to address it again.
Most of the time, I manage to function fairly well, but I can come off as scattered and disorganized. It’s a struggle that’s relatable to many, but unfortunately, it has caused me to lose some potential clients, which I completely understand. To manage better, I’ve been getting help with organization and delegating work tasks where possible to reduce my mental workload.
I’ve also found support in groups with other providers who face similar challenges. A recurring comment I hear is, “Well, you’re a therapist, you should know how to fix this. Don’t you get training?” Yes, I’ve taken some trainings, and I have worksheets that help with prioritizing and organizing. These tools were ingrained in me during my school years, when I was labeled as lazy and misunderstood—told to function like everyone else. But when the brain is wired differently, and stress, trauma, and other experiences continue to reshape it, those worksheets and learned behaviors only go so far. We are human too, despite our training. While I’m actively learning how to help myself and receiving support from others, it’s a process. There’s no quick fix. And that’s okay.
Explore the onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as the fall season approaches, discussing how the change in seasons can impact mood and trigger feelings of grief or loss. Provide strategies for managing SAD, including light therapy, establishing routines, and incorporating self-care practices. Additionally, address how the fall season can bring up emotional triggers related to grief and offer techniques for coping with these feelings to maintain emotional wellness throughout the season.
As the vibrant days of summer give way to the cooler, shorter days of fall, many people find themselves grappling with a shift in mood. This transition isn’t just about changing leaves and cozy sweaters; for some, it brings a more challenging emotional experience. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs in the fall and winter months when sunlight is scarce. Additionally, the fall season can evoke powerful emotions and trigger grief for those who associate this time of year with loss or past trauma. Understanding and addressing both SAD and these seasonal triggers is crucial for maintaining emotional well-being.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a subtype of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, In most cases, SAD symptoms start in the late fall or early winter and go away during the spring and summer, known as winter-pattern SAD or winter depression. Other people experience depressive symptoms during the spring and summer months, known as summer-pattern SAD or summer depression. Summer-pattern SAD is less common. Common symptoms include:
Persistent low mood or sadness
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Fatigue and low energy
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in appetite, often with a craving for carbohydrates
Sleep disturbances, particularly oversleeping
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
The exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to the reduced level of sunlight during the fall and winter months, which can disrupt your body’s internal clock, leading to a drop in serotonin levels—a neurotransmitter that affects mood.
Strategies for Managing SAD
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of SAD, there are several strategies that can help manage and alleviate these symptoms:
Light Therapy: One of the most effective treatments for SAD is light therapy. This involves sitting in front of a light therapy box that mimics natural sunlight for about 20-30 minutes each day. The exposure to bright light can help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm and boost serotonin levels.
Establishing a Routine: Creating and sticking to a regular daily routine can provide structure and a sense of normalcy, which can be comforting during the darker months. This includes maintaining consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise, particularly outdoor activities, can significantly improve mood and energy levels. Even on cloudy days, being outside can help your body absorb natural light.
Diet and Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain energy levels and stabilize your mood. Be mindful of cravings for sugary or high-carbohydrate foods, which can lead to energy crashes.
Therapy and Counseling: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in treating SAD. A therapist can help you identify negative thought patterns and develop strategies to cope with the symptoms.
Social Support: Staying connected with friends and family is crucial. Social isolation can exacerbate feelings of depression, so make an effort to reach out and spend time with loved ones, even if it’s just a phone call or video chat.
Addressing Seasonal Triggers of Grief
For some, fall is a time of year that brings up memories of loss or past trauma. The season can serve as a reminder of loved ones who have passed away, particularly if those losses occurred around this time of year. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings rather than suppress them.
Recognize and Validate Your Feelings: It’s normal to experience a resurgence of grief during certain times of the year. Give yourself permission to feel these emotions and recognize that they are a natural response to loss.
Create Rituals of Remembrance: Consider establishing a ritual to honor your loved one or process your grief. This could be visiting a favorite place, lighting a candle, or spending time reflecting on positive memories.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for support, whether it’s from friends, family, or a grief counselor. Sharing your feelings can help you process them and feel less alone.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself during this time. Allow yourself to take breaks, rest, and engage in activities that bring you comfort and peace.
Focus on the Present: While it’s important to honor your feelings, it’s also helpful to stay grounded in the present. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help you stay connected to the here and now.
Combining Strategies for Holistic Well-being
It’s important to recognize that SAD and grief can intersect, creating a complex emotional landscape during the fall. By combining strategies to manage SAD with those for addressing seasonal grief triggers, you can create a holistic approach to emotional well-being. This might involve:
Incorporating light therapy and exercise into your daily routine while also engaging in remembrance rituals.
Balancing social activities with quiet time for reflection and mindfulness.
Seeking professional support for both SAD and grief, as they can amplify each other’s effects.
Ultimately, the key is to be proactive about your mental health as the seasons change. By acknowledging the challenges that fall can bring and taking steps to address them, you can navigate this transition with greater resilience and emotional strength. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and take the time you need to care for yourself during this time of year.
Check out this article from the National Institute of Mental Health for more information and resources to assist with SAD if you or anyone you know may experience symptoms or already do benefit from some of the suggestions and just want more information.
Collaborative Creative Coaching with Samantha Hanson and Tina Gray Siebers
Are you ready to explore your creativity, overcome fears, and reconnect with your inner child? Join our Intuitive Art Intensive Workshop, a transformative experience designed to help you express yourself, face challenges, and find joy in artistic expression. No prior art experience is necessary—just bring your willingness to explore and create.
This is a two-day intensive workshop, led by two professional counselors—one a registered art therapist. However, this is not a therapy group! It is a small retreat from daily life, designed to guide participants through an intuitive painting process.
Workshop Goals: Try Something New: Step outside your comfort zone. Overcome Fear: Let go of the fear of failure or judgment. Self-Discovery: Learn how you handle challenges. Feel Positive: End with a sense of achievement. Have Fun: Enjoy playful, creative activities. Stress Relief: Take a refreshing break from daily stress.
Workshop will include Open mindedness and experimentation in a judgement free zone, Setting Intentions Warm-Up Exercise: “Zen Tangle” Independent Reflection and Sharing option to purchase beverages on site at ROK cafe
Disclaimer: This is a vulnerable open space. Be mindful of sharing work that may be considered taboo outside of the workshop with non participants who may not understand.
Join Us June 22 and 23rd – Registration closes June 17th and space is limited to 8 attendees! 4 minimum needed to hold the workshop.
Perfect for all skill levels, our workshop offers a supportive and enriching environment to unlock your creative potential.Secure your spot today to avoid missing out as spots are filling up fast. Don’t let the stress of the week distract you—reserve now!
For more information and to register, visit Here. We look forward to creating with you!
**please note spots are non refundable due to the time and preparation to prepare for your seat we appreciate your understanding if you are a no show or notify us day of, of no attendance.**
My middle name is Jean, after my mom. She named me Samantha after “bewitched Samantha Steven” hoping it would bring me a little magic in my life, and thought it was a beautiful name. my mom and I haven’t always been close or seen eye to eye, but we have our love of arts and crafts and animals, and I’ll always be happy to carry her name with me wherever I go. She inspires me to keep trying with my art and trying new things and for that I am grateful ❤️
