When the Seasons Change: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder affects people of all ages, including children, teens, adults, and older adults, especially during the darker winter months. In this episode of Mind Matters Conversations that Make a Difference, we sit down with Mariah Howard, a therapist at Siouxland Mental Health Center, to discuss what Seasonal Affective Disorder is, why it occurs, and how it can affect daily life.

Mariah shares common warning signs of how symptoms can look different across age groups and evidence-based strategies that can help, including light therapy, lifestyle changes, and therapy. Whether you are noticing changes in your own mood or supporting someone you care about, this conversation offers practical guidance and reassurance that support is available.

If you or someone you love is struggling, Siouxland Mental Health Center is here to help.

Call 712-252-3871 or visit siouxlandmentalhealth.com

In this episode of Mind Matters, host Morgan Haskell sits down with Dr. BreAnne Danzi, Psychologist at Siouxland Mental Health Center and Professor at the University of South Dakota, to unpack the world of psychological assessments for children and adolescents.
If you’re a parent who’s noticed changes in your child’s behavior, mood, attention, or school performance, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance.

Dr. Danzi explains:

• What a psychological assessment actually is
• Why assessments help distinguish between conditions with similar symptoms
• What parents can expect from start to finish
• How results guide school supports and therapy
• How assessments empower families with answers, not labels

Whether you're curious, concerned, or looking for your next step, this conversation will help you understand how psychological assessments can provide direction and hope for your child's mental health journey.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit siouxlandmentalhealth.com or call (712) 226-4543.

In this debut episode of Mind Matters: Conversations That Make a Difference, we sit down with Amy Small, LISW — Director of Child & Adolescent Services at Siouxland Mental Health Center — to explore what mental health looks like in today’s youth.

We discuss early intervention, the pressures kids and teens are facing, and how community-based mental health services help families navigate it all. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or advocate, this conversation offers powerful insight and practical support for helping young minds thrive.