Culturally Responsive and Trauma-Informed Mental Health Care

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Vitamin D

The winter months bring shorter days and reduced sunlight, which can exacerbate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This condition, marked by feelings of sadness, lethargy, and mood changes, can be particularly challenging during the holidays.

Combatting SAD might include taking vitamin D supplements, spending time in natural light, or incorporating movement into your routine. These small, intentional actions can support both mental and physical well-being, helping to prevent the season from feeling like an emotional burden.

This holiday season, we invite you to embrace and embody the fullness of your humanity. Allow yourself the space to grieve, rest, and connect with all your emotions authentically. Set boundaries that prioritize your inner peace, practice mindful spending, and lean into culturally responsive self-care practices rooted in Ubuntu. Honour the wisdom of your ancestors and the power of collective healing to navigate this season with clarity and strength. Remember, healing is not linear, and every step toward wellbeing is worth celebrating. As we hold the essence of Ubuntu — “I am because we are”—we affirm that our individual and collective journeys toward healing are intertwined and so is collective liberation. Here is wishing a trauma-informed, culturally safe and moments of laughter and joy during this holiday season and the year ahead.

Shayla S. Dube, MSW, RCSW (she/her/we/theirs) is a proud Bantu-NguniNdebele woman, born and raised in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe, and grateful for finding a second home in what is now called Canada. She is a mother to three beautiful humans, co-parenting with her partner of 18 years. A seasoned clinical social worker, board-approved anti-oppressive clinical supervisor, and Africentric Social Work sessional instructor, Shayla brings over 20 years of experience in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care Passionate about community-centered healing and culturally responsive mental health care, she also serves as a workplace psychological health and safety organizational wellness consultant and advisor. Rooted in Ubuntu, Shayla is dedicated to dismantling systemic oppression and fostering collective healing and resilience within marginalized communities For more information, please visit Wellness Empowered www wellnessempowered com or email info@wellnessempowered.com