Mental Health Moment

The shorter days and limited sunlight of winter can affect energy, sleep, and mood. For some, these seasonal changes contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that tends to show up during the colder, darker months.

Gentle exposure to light — like spending time outdoors in the morning or using a light therapy lamp — can help regulate circadian rhythms. Nourishing meals (including leafy greens, fatty fish, oats, beans/lentils, etc.), regular movement (even a short walk or "exercise snack"), and healthy sleep hygiene also play an important role in stabilizing mood. If symptoms feel heavy or persistent, therapy can offer support, tools, and relief — especially when seasonal shifts amplify stress or low mood. Small steps can make winter more manageable.

In this episode, we explore letting out small bits of grief at regular intervals to offset the more painful grief experience that can sometimes happen when we're not expecting it. If you find you need additional support around this topic and live in the Western NC area, please reach out to our office; we will be happy to guide you. Click below to listen, and tune back in mid-month on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for Episode 9 on the practice of Loving Kindness— an exploration of the meditative practice of Metta and how acts of loving kindness can have a huge impact on our well-being.

We are thrilled to announce that Hope is in Bloom — our annual celebration and mental health education event — will be a special luncheon on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

Our distinguished featured speaker will be Dr. Kevin C. Snyder. Drawing from his own journey through depression, an eating disorder, and early setbacks, Dr. Snyder is a dynamic motivational speaker and author who will share his uplifting message of resiliency and the power of early intervention. Stay tuned for more details and ticket announcements.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mary Waller, our development director, at mary@allsoulscounseling.org.

We invite you to join us on Friday, February 20, from 11:30am-1:00pm at the Weaverville Public Library for a delicious meal and meaningful conversation exploring themes of resiliency and healing after Hurricane Helene. Food will be catered by Maggie B's and sponsored by a generous grant from Duke Energy. This is an opportunity to connect, reflect, and build community. Registrations are required by noon on Fri., Feb. 13. Capacity for this event is 40 people.

Stay tuned to our social media pages for details on our next event, a dinner for the Fairview community on Monday, March 9.

The Green Ribbon Society is a leadership giving circle designed to honor some of our most dedicated supporters. Individuals, businesses, or organizations that give $1,200 or more annually (or commit to a 12-month pledge of $100 per month) will automatically become members of The Green Ribbon Society, named after the international symbol for mental health awareness.

Donor Appreciation

We are deeply grateful to have been selected to receive a grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina Disaster Response and Recovery fund, in partnership with Episcopal Relief and Development. Thanks to this generous support, we will be able to expand in-person counseling services to the communities of Burnsville and Bat Cave — two areas greatly impacted by Hurricane Helene. To learn more about recovery and resource work of the Diocese, please visit their 2025 Congregational & Community Impact Report here.

All Souls Counseling Center (ASCC) | 828-259-3369 | allsoulscounseling.org

ASCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (EIN: 56-2200862).

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