Seasonal Rituals in Mental Health Settings (while holding space for suffering)
Long ago, our ancestors lived by the seasons. Their survival depended upon it. There was rituals, community practices, and shifts to the way of living.
While our temperature controlled buildings, methods of transportation, electrical lighting, and capitalistic society maintains a constant pace irrelevant to lessening daylight or changes in weather, our bodies have not abandoned the need to shift and honor the season.
Many of us who work in the world of mental health care work closely with suffering and often with the harsh realities of privilege, oppression, and injustice. While it may seem capitalistic or privileged to some to add elements of seasonal connection to our offices, treatment rooms and community health care settings, but the reality is that these small rituals may offer more healing and connection than we can ever imagine.
Below are some practical ways and reasons to hold space for the changing seasons while still holding space for the suffering.
As the world moves into colder seasons, consider laying out a cozy blanket or two and replacing cold beverages with hot tea and hot chocolate packets. For someone living on the streets or in an unheated home, this may the warmest moment they’ve had all day.
Nature-based decorations (like fall leaves, pine needles, spring flowers, etc.) may offer a brief experience of connecting to the natural world in a time when connection feels impossible. Due to busy schedules, stress, mental health symptoms like depression or grief, or some other barrier, it may feel difficult to notice the changing fall leaves or the blooming spring flowers. Subtle hints of seasons may be a loving reminder to notice the beautiful things around them again.
Holiday decorations may feel extra when so many who come into our spaces may feel they have nothing to celebrate. But consider that your Christmas tree (or other holiday decore) may be the only Christmas tree they have this year. Decorations may connection someone in a hard place to a happier time, or they offer hope that things will someday be better. Your decorations can be simple, but still magical.
We may be sensitive to the triggers or heavy emotions that seasonal or holiday decorations may bring. but we must also remember that in healing work, this small environmental shifts may open up opportunities for clients to disclose, share, or grieve past experiences. We must trust that our sensitivity and respect will guide us.
Lighting a scented candle, hanging seasonal lights, changing out reading materials, playing seasonal music, changing pictures or other decor can all represent a shift in time as it passes. It is ancestral to mark our lives by the seasons, and journeys of healing may feel more profound if we invite our clients/patients to do reconnect to that ancient practice. Passing seasons may represent time sober, time spent healing, time spent fighting, or time closer to a goal.
Beyond these examples, it’s important to name that many in caregiving and advocacy rolls may struggle with feeling guilty for enjoying the seasons/holidays when so many we care for are suffering. We all deserve this reminder that we can hold both experiences. Small seasonal shifts may not only offer a sense of joy, connection, or hope to those we care for, but may also honor our own need to connect with the seasons and that is always a beautiful thing. Our health and mental health deserve to be a priority too.