Summer’s Almost Over..But You’re Just Getting Started

Hello! Welcome to another edition of ABC of Mental Health, your partner to better mental health, one newsletter at a time. As the seasons shift, many of us experience transitions not just in the weather but also in our mood, energy, and relationships. This week’s newsletter is here to help you ground yourself, regulate emotions, and build strength as you move into the next season (and perhaps chapter of your life!).

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One relevant recommendation:

How Healthy People Regulate Their Emotions (6 minute watch)

This short video explores what emotional regulation can look like in everyday life—from handling negative emotions to developing emotional maturity. It’s not a strict guide, but a gentle exploration of strategies and research that can help you navigate your feelings with more awareness and balance.

Two Quotes on Finding your Power:

Jon Kabat-Zinn, scientist and mindfulness teacher, reminds us that challenges are inevitable but how we respond is within our power:

“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

Rikki Rogers, author and speaker, highlights that resilience is born from facing difficulty, not avoiding it:

“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do; it comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.”

Three TherapyShorts from TST

1. Seasons Don’t Define Your Growth
   Many times clients feel pressured by milestones—“I should’ve healed by now,” or “summer was supposed to be different.” The truth? Healing isn’t seasonal. One client realised that her biggest shift came not in a major life event, but in choosing, quietly, to speak more kindly to herself every morning. I’m reminded of Mary Anne Radmacher (author)’s famous quote, “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”

2. Naming Feelings to Tame Them

   Simply labelling your emotions, like “I feel overwhelmed” or “I feel disappointed”, can lower their intensity. This practice, called affect labelling, activates parts of the brain that help with regulation and self-control. Instead of avoiding discomfort, train your mind to learn to sit with it. Start with small daily check-ins, and allow yourself to observe what you are going through. You can't control what happens to you, but you can train your mind to respond with clarity, not chaos.

3. Self-Compassion Is Not Self-Indulgence
   Many believe harsh self-talk builds toughness, but research shows self-compassion builds real resilience. Being kind to yourself doesn’t mean excusing harmful behaviour or avoiding responsibility. It means acknowledging your struggles with the same warmth you would offer a friend. One of my clients would often say, “I keep calling myself lazy for not being productive after work.” But when we finally reframed it to, ‘I’m exhausted because I gave my best today,’ it helped her stop spiralling in guilt and she actually felt motivated to cook a meal instead of doomscrolling.”  Self-compassion builds resilience by helping you learn from mistakes without shame—encouraging growth over guilt.

A QUICK QUESTION…

What helps you regulate your emotions the most? Vote here!

Last week, we asked you what you typically sacrifice first when life gets busy, and the responses were… (drumroll please)…

With care and compassion,

The Social Therapist

P.S.: Move at your own pace 😄