My reflections on how seasonal shifts can affect our mental health

As a counsellor, I often see patterns that align with the seasons. Clients might not walk in saying, “I think autumn is making me anxious,” or “I’m feeling low because the days are shorter,” but when we begin to explore their experiences, the influence of seasonal change often surfaces.

And truthfully, I feel it too. There’s something about the rhythm of the year—the darker mornings, the shift in temperature, the end (or beginning) of school years, holidays, or simply the energy in the air—that affects us on a deeper level than we might realise.

So if you’ve ever wondered why your mood seems to dip at certain times of year, or why you feel extra emotional during seasonal transitions, you’re not imagining it. Let’s talk about why....