Much of our country has struggled with the outcome of this election cycle. That’s understandable: negativity, blame, lies, scheming, and misinformation (read: fake news) have plagued this election across both sides of the aisle. The result? Post-election stress.
Being born male or female comes with specific gender roles and perceived responsibilities with those roles in both a family and in society. In the eyes of my family and society, I was not the typical male that that everyone expected me to be. Growing up as a transgender woman was very difficult. I was not accepted and was subjected to physical, emotional, and social abuse.
We are facing a crisis in overdose deaths in Philadelphia. Between 2013 and 2015, fatal drug overdoses increased by more than 50%, from 459 deaths to 702. In 2016, Philadelphia is projected to have 840 drug overdose deaths, which is nearly three times the number of homicides in the city. Eighty percent of those overdose deaths will involve opioids, including prescription painkillers, heroin and fentanyl.
The snow is falling and the city is bright. There is a chill in the air and a feeling of joy. The decorations are hung, gifts secured, and family time is confirmed, yet, feelings of sadness and low energy are looming. Some feelings of sadness and low energy that you may not be aware of could possibly indicate a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).