Tag Archive for: Beth Thomas

The Impact of Seasonal Weather on Mental Health

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By Beth Thomas, MSW, LSW – February 20, 2025 –

When thinking about the seasons and the weather, you may not necessarily associate them with mental health. But did you know that the weather can, in fact, have a large impact on your mental well-being?

While not everyone will be affected by the weather in this manner, it is very much a real concern. In fact, according to Mental Health America (mhnational.org), approximately five percent of adults in the United States will experience seasonal affective disorder. Specifically, out of the five percent of adults who experience seasonal affective disorder, also referred to as SAD, 75 percent of those adults are women.

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that occurs annually, typically around the same time every year, and is due to seasonal changes.

Taking a deeper dive into seasonal affective disorder, it is typically caused by a change in the body’s production of melatonin. During the winter season there is less daylight, and with the increase in darkness, the production of the body’s melatonin increases. Melatonin is a hormone which is produced as a response to the presence of darkness. Thus, in the winter seasons, it is noticed that people feel more tired and lethargic due to the higher levels of melatonin the body produces. While it is most likely that seasonal affective disorder is experienced in the winter season, sometimes people may experience symptoms in other seasons as well.

Another way in which the weather and/or seasons can affect our mental health is because we might associate a particular season, such as summer, with family vacations. When that season rolls around, we are reminded of memories from the season, and we may be expecting a similar vacation experience to happen. On the other hand, if that same season comes around and you are not able to go on family trip – let’s say due to finances – that season may bring about stress and have a strong impact on your mental health.

Additionally, seasonal weather can affect our mental health because it may bring about obstacles which may be stress inducing. An example could be the weather in the season of winter. The weather in the winter season varies, of course, according to where you live, but let’s use Indiana as an example. In winter, the weather is typically colder, and we experience the effects of snow and ice. The obstacles snow and ice place on us can lead to higher levels of stress. For instance, perhaps your house loses power because of a winter storm and your family finds themselves in distress.

While we are not able to control the weather the seasons bring, we can take action to help with how the seasonal weather may affect us. If you experience seasonal affective disorder, getting more exposure to sunlight or seeking light therapy may be helpful. Increased exercise can also be beneficial.

If you do not experience seasonal affective disorder, the weather can still create distress and have an impact on your mental health. Ensuring a plan and/or routine for seasonal weather can help. Seeking out community resources can help tremendously as well.

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Game Nights Build Family Connection

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By /Beth Thomas, MSW, LSW – November 27, 2024 –

Growing up, and to this day, game nights have been a regular activity my family enjoys. Whether it is our annual “Game Day” in the winter season where we all gather for a day of playing our favorite card and board games or trying out new games together when visiting out-of-town family, playing games has been a fun way for my family to bond.

Reflecting on all the time my family has spent together playing games, I recognize how strongly it impacted our relationships, without actually realizing it in the moment. Along with strengthening relationships, there are countless hidden benefits that come from family game nights.

Focusing on the benefits for children, playing games has a strong influence on a child’s development. Playing games strengthens hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills. Games that are especially good for fine motor skills include Jenga, Operation, and any games that involve rolling dice or shuffling cards.

When a child plays games, there is a high likelihood their grades will improve. Games entailing academic elements can help students prepare for and excel in school. Examples of games with academic elements include Uno, Scrabble, and Chutes and Ladders.

Problem-solving is another developmental skill that can be improved by playing games. Certain games help with the growth of memorization skills as well as assisting children in solving problems on their own. Examples of games that promote problem-solving include Chess, Trouble, Connect 4, and Monopoly.

Additional benefits of game playing include growth in vocabulary and reading skills, building math skills, and encouraging strategic thinking. At school, motivation levels increase, and students have stronger relationships with their peers. Children learn how to take turns, develop patience, practice playing fair, follow rules, and gain the ability to predict outcomes. From watching their family win and lose, children can also develop good sportsmanship.

Playing games has benefits for all members of the household. No matter how young a child is, they are positively impacted by this time together. Two- to three-year-olds have the skills for beginner games or to participate some, and infants enjoy the noise of conversation. Games promote family bonding through communication, working together, and making memories.

For adults, laughing and playing games can reduce stress and lower blood pressure though the release of endorphins. Not only are games an amazing way to help children develop in all aspects of their lives, spending this time together also creates unforgettable memories you will have forever.

While it can be a challenge to add playing games to the mix of work, sports practices, homework, school, and other family commitments, there are creative ways to make time. Some ideas include playing a game right after dinner, scheduling dates in advance, playing games at birthday celebrations, or even working in a short game for ten minutes. Grab a game, your family, and start your own family game night tradition! The benefits will continue for a lifetime.

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