🌧️ When the Darkness Creeps In: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Most people have heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. It’s a type of depression that tends to occur during autumn and winter—when the days are shorter and the light is low.
You might notice:
-
Feeling more tired than usual, even after a full night's sleep
-
A drop in mood or motivation
-
Craving more comfort food (especially carbs)
-
Struggling to focus
-
Wanting to withdraw or hibernate
While SAD is a diagnosable condition, many people experience a milder form of seasonal depression or emotional shift that doesn’t meet the criteria but still impacts their well-being.
It’s not “just in your head”—our brains and bodies respond to changes in light, temperature, and routine.
🌤️ Spring and Summer Blues? Yes, That’s a Thing Too
Most people associate spring and summer with a boost in mood, but that’s not everyone’s experience.
For some, spring brings pressure—I should feel better now, right?—which can lead to anxiety or guilt. Summer can be overstimulating, especially if you struggle with sensory sensitivities, body image concerns, or feel isolated during holiday periods.
In therapy, we often unpack how expectations around “happy seasons” can actually make mental health challenges feel heavier.
🌳 Seasons Carry Stories
I often encourage clients to think about what different seasons mean to them personally. Do you associate autumn with endings? Does winter bring loneliness or stillness? Was something difficult happening last year—or many years ago—during a certain time of year?
Our emotional memory doesn’t forget. Sometimes our minds and bodies remember before we do.
🛠️ What Can Help
We can’t control the weather, but we can prepare for how it might affect us. Here are some things I often suggest:
-
Get outside when you can, even for a few minutes of daylight.
-
Keep a gentle routine—sleep, eat, and move your body regularly.
-
Try light therapy (especially in winter months—it can really help).
-
Talk to someone. Therapy is a space where you can explore these shifts without judgment.
-
Stay connected—seasonal dips often make us want to isolate, but connection can be a lifeline.
And remember, you don’t have to “push through.” Sometimes simply naming what’s going on is the first and most healing step.
🌼 You're Not Alone
Whether you're someone who thrives in the quiet of winter or wilts a little when the light fades—your experience is valid.
If you’re noticing a seasonal pattern in your mood, energy, or relationships, counselling can help you make sense of it, and find ways to care for yourself through the changes.
I’m here if you’d like to talk