The Emotional Calendar

How emotional life is profoundly shaped by the seasons–and how to recognize your personal seasonal patterns.

by John Sharp, M.D.

On the Verge of the Vernal Equinox

Spring is about here with an increase in metabolism and turnover of brain neurotransmitters. Be realistic and find a way to harness the rise in available energy. Now is a great time to list a few intentions. What could you do to improve your springtime? Will it involve a whole transformation or just a few choice adjustments? Use The Emotional Calendar to be your best. Read More

Making this Season Right for You

I'm tired of believing that "it is what it is." Consider the realm of our experience and consider the season. With broader awareness comes the power to effect changes that make a big difference going forward. You can change how you are affected by changing what you are exposed to as well as in your attitude and expectations. It is what you make it, after all. Read More

Madoff Family Lessons in Suicide

The Madoff family recently discussed suicide. As a psychiatrist, let me illustrate two most important considerations in clinical staging, the progression of suicidal thinking—ideation, intention, and plan, and the lethality of suicide attempts—distinguishing low versus high lethality. Reaching out for help is ultimately what makes the critical difference. Read More

Embracing Columbus Day Your Way

Happy Columbus Day again. I continue to offer you advice how to embrace this easy, lazy, nothing-you-have-to-do-in-particular holiday. The lack of drama is what is so good. Unlike the momentous, grand-slam holiday weekends Memorial Day and Labor Day, Columbus Day is easy, and that's precisely what's so very nice about it. No big demands. Here's how to make it go your way. Read More

This Year -- Your Fall Fix

Everybody knows their fall story. A big lesson from The Emotional Calendar: we can make strategic changes in seasonal outlook and adjust/regulate our involvement to lead a happier, more fulfilled, and in control life. When turning clocks back an hour, keep in mind that we are moving forward. Here’s how to better align the fall season this year what we want and need. Read More

Summertime's Greatest Holiday: Your Fourth of July

We go big. We let it all hang out, as we gather to celebrate Independence Day and being American. What's also significant is that the 4th marks mid-summer very, very clearly - big American flag staked in the sand. Consider how would you like your 4th to be. Maybe dive in headfirst, come up with a smile, or sit down and watch the parade. Enjoy. Read More

Father's Day Cares on The Emotional Calendar

Happy Father's Day. Whether you have had a close or distant relationship with your own father, whether you are or aren't, a good father yourself, let this day be an acknowledgement of what paternity means. What does a father do? Can one be a pretty great Dad, or even a good enough Dad, and still be a real human being, flawed as we all are and far from perfect? Read More

How to Understand What Sexting Represents For The Representative

In any 2-person relationship actually three entities exist - the one, the other, and the relationship between the two. Therapy empowers us to make better sense of our actions, of what drives us, and of what allows very dangerous entree into a "consequence free zone" that is pure fiction and very damaging to all three. Read More

Springtime and Spring Fever

Smile. Its springtime. But beware. The realities of spring fever are complex. This is the time of year when internal biologic systems rev up and we feel the results.There’s an increase in energy that cannot and should not be ignored. I recommend you tune in early to what is coming up inside and try to take control. Here's how. Read More

Perspectives on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day represents an aspiration and a conceit, an ideal and a warning. Find out how to be a little better at granting yourself acceptance. Read More

The Emotional Calendar -- A Case Study and Lesson in Memory

Understanding memory as a "creative act" (colleague Prof. Jim McGaugh) is critical to taking very good care! Here, excerpted from The Emotional Calendar: a lovely case example and lesson. How to do better - be happier, more fulfilled, and in control of your life - by enhanced self-awareness, determining favorable adaptations to memories and seasonal triggers. Read More

ON NEUROSCIENCE, AWARENESS, AND THE SEASONAL APPROACH

Understanding the complexity of how we feel begins with our most basic processes: our senses. Amazingly, interpretation of meaning and context happens below consciousness. My suggestion: take a seasonal approach, increasing awareness to feel "happier, more fulfilled, and in control of your life." Read More

Not Everyone Gets the Holiday Blues

The path to happiness this winter can be found..Contrary to what the popular press would have us believe, not everybody gets the holiday blues. Some of us actually love this time of year. Let's consider what's going on, and find a "winter mentor" to help. Read More

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is about as emotionally laden as holidays get... Read More

Especially When

Here's a simple game of elucidation and elaboration that can really help increase your awareness of the fall feeling and the many triggers embedded in the physical, sensory world. What's in it for you and what you can do about it -- a very personal and worthy exercise with no sweat involved. Read More

Psychology Today: Autumn Now

Fall is a very emotional time of year, filled with loads of memories. September, October, and November are not always easy months. Here are secrets to making the most of them in your own unique way. Read More

Psychology Today: The Emotional Calendar

From The Emotional Calendar Read More

John Sharp, M.D., is a psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist specializing in the treatment of attention deficit, mood, and anxiety disorders in adolescents and adults.

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