MOOD AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

Published On: February 7, 2015

In the season of FALL, most things are dropping. Leaves are dropping, the temperature is dropping, the hours of daylight are dropping, and for many thousands of people, so is there seretonin levels within their brain chemistry. Seasonal affect disorder affects millions of people in the northern hemisphere. General mood levels fall into more depressive areas, and where there is increased depressiveness, there are usually challenges.

Within most families, conflict management is a challenge. Within families where one or more are experiencing reduced mood levels, conflict resolution also usually falls. When something falls, usually something also rises. It is the push and pull of nature and even our health. In systemic responses, when our mood lowers, we unconsciously look for something to stimulate and fortify us. For some, it will increase addictive behaviour. Food, alcohol, sex and intimacy, work, gambling and even coffee may all increase through this season. However, unresolved conflicts will also increase.

Good conflict resolution requires the management of emotions. When serotonin levels decrease, emotions are more intense.

Thinking and concentration are impaired. When emotions are flooding, usually there is significant damage. Some good suggestions for proactive conflict management are to take the temperature of one’s mood before jumping into the water of conflict. Ask your partner or teen if this is a good time to talk. This simple question can go a long way to helping increase the success of conflict resolution, and in turn raise the mood of individuals and increase the sunshine of attitude within the home.