Paterson Wellness

01/27/2026

Read what's new for winter in my newsletter.

Blue Monday ❄️ "Blue Monday" was last week. But did you know the truth about the "saddest day of the year"? Blue Monday is supposedly the most depressing day of the year. But the real story is that this idea didn’t come from science - it came from an advertising campaign for a British travel c...

01/19/2026

Happy Blue Monday 😊

Blue Monday is supposedly the most depressing day of the year. But the real story is that this idea didn’t come from science - it came from an advertising campaign for a British travel company trying to sell winter vacations.

A “formula” was invented to combine things like weather, debt, and failed New Year’s resolutions to arrive at the most depressing date, usually the third Monday of January.

There is no scientific evidence that this day is any more depressing than any other. Blue Monday is just a marketing myth that has taken on a life of its own.

However, Seasonal Affective Disorder is real. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. Below is some information about SAD and what may help if you’re feeling blue during the colder, darker months of the year.

https://www.patersonwellness.com/post/living-with-the-seasons-understanding-seasonal-affective-disorder

Struggling with stress, anxiety, workplace issues, life challenges— or just feeling stuck? Therapy provides a supportive space to gain clarity, build confidence, and move forward.

01/13/2026

It's that time of year again - the holidays are over and the days are dark and cold. Feeling blue? It might be Seasonal Affective Disorder. You're not alone, this disorder is pretty common for people living in Canada. Find out more about SAD and what you can do to feel better during these darker months.

During the winter months you may find that you’re hitting snooze more often, cancelling plans you normally enjoy, craving carbs, and finding that everything feels emptier than it did a couple of months ago. You might be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, ...

12/31/2025

Happy New Year!

12/23/2025

Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season of joy and wonder - and a bright and fulfilling New Year ahead.

11/25/2025

Do you have a project going live? Report cards due? End of year report behind schedule? Here is some information to help you stave off stress and burnout including a list of micro-steps you can take right now to lighten the load. Want to talk about it? Get in touch.

What is burnout?Burnout develops when ongoing pressure slowly drains our emotional and physical reserves. Most of us can manage occasional stress, but when demands remain high for too long, our energy, motivation, and sense of purpose begin to erode. We can start to feel resentful and overwhelmed, a...

11/04/2025

Burnout is showing up everywhere right now, and most people don’t realize the early signs until they’re already in survival mode. I put this short carousel together to explain what actually drives burnout and what small, realistic changes help you recover without stepping away from work. If any of this feels familiar, you’re not alone. PatersonWellness.com

10/16/2025

We’ve always known that spending time outdoors feels good - but research now shows it actually changes your brain, body, and mood. From lower stress hormones to stronger immune function, time in nature is one of the most effective forms of self-care available.

I wrote a new blog post about the science behind forest bathing and simple ways to bring more nature into your life - even if you live in the city.

You can read it here:

You’ve likely noticed your mood lift after a walk in nature. Most people I talk to list going for a walk as one of the first items on their self-care lists. There might be more to the magic of walks than just a change in scenery.Scientists have been studying what happens to our brains and bodies w...

09/16/2025

Feeling tired? Low? Foggy-brained? You’re not alone. I’m right there with you. This post is for those of us navigating perimenopause or menopause while also managing our work lives. It’s encouraging to see more conversation about this stage of life on social media and greater attention from health practitioners. But one piece that often gets overlooked is the impact on our mental health and that’s what I want to talk about here.

https://www.patersonwellness.com/post/perimenopause-menopause-and-work-finding-meaning-and-confidence

Struggling with stress, anxiety, workplace issues, life challenges— or just feeling stuck? Therapy provides a supportive space to gain clarity, build confidence, and move forward.

08/19/2025

I'm reposting this article as a few people have asked me about it recently. A while back I noticed a trend in mid to senior level women seeking therapy for stress related to bullying in the workplace. They told me that when they spoke to friends or family they found others experiencing the same issue. I researched it and found that the group that experiences the most bullying in the workplace is women over 40. If this is you, you don't need to do this alone. This type of stress can affect our judgment, our performance, and our lives outside of work. Talking with a therapist who understands workplace bullying, stress, and communication is a very supportive and effective way to take your power back and determine steps forward.

Workplace bullying doesn’t always look the way we expect. It’s not always loud, obvious, or coming from a manager. In fact, it often flies under the radar—especially when the person being bullied holds a senior position or is seen as successful, confident, or competent.If you’re a leader, ma...

08/12/2025

Check out the Summer News & Updates newsletter.

New mindfulness program added Why too much self-help might be hurting you How therapy can help after job loss Easier access to on-line sessions

07/21/2025

Life and work can be overwhelming. You don’t have to face it alone. Therapy offers a calm, supportive space to reduce struggle, gain clarity, and take meaningful steps forward.

Struggling with stress, anxiety, workplace issues, life challenges— or just feeling stuck? Therapy provides a supportive space to gain clarity, build confidence, and move forward.