winter blues crew

No. Part one is a complete, standalone six-week series covering the foundation of what actually drives seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — the known risk factors, nutrient deficiencies, and lab tests worth asking your provider about, plus a full deep-dive on using a light box safely and effectively. By the time you finish part one, you'll have real tools you can use on your own. If you want to keep going, registration for part two (which runs through the darkest weeks of the year) and part three (structured around what the group needs by then) opens to people who've already joined part one. There's no pressure to sign up for anything beyond the first six weeks.

Yes. You don't need a formal diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder, a therapist's referral, or any proof that your symptoms are severe enough. Plenty of people notice their mood, sleep, energy, or motivation shift as daylight hours get shorter in the fall and winter, without ever being formally diagnosed with anything. If that's you, this group is built for exactly that experience — whether you'd call it SAD, the winter blues, seasonal depression, or just "I feel worse from November to February."

Pay what feels sustainable for you. This is a sliding-scale offer, and it exists because I believe access to mental health support and healthcare information shouldn't depend on how much money someone has. If you're in a financial position to pay more, that additional support is what keeps this affordable for someone who's stretched thin this season. There's no application, explanation, or proof of need — you just choose the number that's honest for your situation.

No. This series is educational and informational, not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it isn't a substitute for working with your own licensed healthcare provider. If you're looking for personalized medical guidance around seasonal depression, nutrient testing, or mental health more broadly, a licensed provider — including a naturopathic doctor if that's a good fit for you — can offer that in a one-on-one setting. Registering for the Winter Blues Crew doesn't create a doctor-patient relationship, and nothing here should delay you from seeking care with your own provider. If you're ever facing a medical emergency, call 911. If you may be having a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988, or visit https://988lifeline.org/.

Yes. A lot of people who join don't come in with a clear diagnosis or even the right vocabulary for what they're feeling — just a general sense that something shifts every year once the days get shorter and colder. That could look like low energy, oversleeping, trouble concentrating, carb cravings, or just feeling flatter than usual. You don't need to have it figured out before you show up. Understanding what's actually going on, and what might help, is a big part of what we work through together in the group.

No. The Winter Blues Crew meets virtually on Zoom, so you can join from wherever you live. I'm a naturopathic doctor based in Philadelphia, and while this series is open to anyone, local folks who want more personalized, ongoing support after the group ends are welcome to look into one-on-one care through Philly Naturopathic.