S.A.D. How We Can Support You As we enter the colder, darker months and move into the holiday season, DBSA Northridge would like to take a moment to bring awareness to the challenges many people face during this time of year. While the season often brings celebrations, connection, and reflection, it can also intensify feelings of stress, sadness, or emotional overwhelm—especially for those living with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or other mood disorders. Seasonal Affect

Extreme stress can trigger hypomanic or manic episodes, often in individuals with bipolar disorder. However, It's not the sole cause and may interact with other factors like sleep disruption, genetics, and substance use. Stress activates the body's stress response system and can disrupt brain chemistry, potentially precipitating symptoms such as elevated mood, decreased sleep, and racing thoughts.  How Stress Can Lead to Mania Physiological Response : High stress levels trigg

For those of us living with Mood Disorders, the pressure to “keep up” can amplify our stress, leaving us exhausted, anxious, or shut down. There are seasons in life when everything feels like too much. The world moves quickly—deadlines press in, responsibilities pile up, and even the simplest tasks can feel impossible. For those of us living with Mood Disorders, the pressure to “keep up” can amplify our stress, leaving us exhausted, anxious, or shut down. When life feels over