By Danielle D Jenkins, PsyD 

As seasons shift, many people feel worsening mental health. Particularly in the fall and winter in places like the Pacific Northwest where I live and work. The days go from being full of opportunity to spend outside with lots of light to short, dark, and wet. It becomes more difficult to get out and move one’s body in positive ways. It’s cold and damp for at least part of the day. We begin the running here and there for various activities. The leaves are blowing with frenetic energy. And the sweet and spicy drinks and cookie snacks are everywhere beckoning with their promises to feel better after a treat.

Depending on the year, sometime between September 1^st and October 15^th I start giving my fall mood talk. We go over how much sugar they are eating/drinking and how they are taking care of their bodies. This year, I know it’s been harder for me this year to practice what I preach so I’m guessing I’m not alone...

How paying attention to your cycle can improve your mental health.

 by Danielle D Jenkins, PsyD

Maybe you come from a family that celebrated your “moon time” or had a “period party” when you blossomed into womanhood or maybe you came from a family that never talked about your “shark week” at all. No matter what level of communication you grew up with, for menstruating people, there is unlocked potential in understanding, observing, and tracking the menstrual cycle. In my private practice, it is one of the many things that was not part of my training but is certainly a big part of how I practice.

I first started looking into this at the urging of a naturopath I saw briefly after I mentioned that there were just some times in the month where I had no energy to do any of my house chores at all. I did a very simple version of energy and mood tracking but it wasn’t until I joined Kate Northrup’s online women’s business collective...