As the seasons shift, many of us notice changes not only in the world around us but also in how we feel inside. Shorter days, cooler air, and cloudy skies can sometimes bring a heaviness or low mood that feels different from the brighter months.
This experience is often linked to what’s known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), sometimes called seasonal depression. It’s a recognised pattern where mood dips occur at certain times of year, most commonly in autumn and winter.
For some, these symptoms can feel overwhelming. For others, they may show up more subtly a sense of flatness, heaviness, or lack of motivation that seems tied to the darker months.
While it can be helpful to name and understand seasonal depression, I also believe there’s value in going deeper than the diagnosis. Instead of rushing to a label, I invite you to pause and reflect:
What does cool, cloudy weather mean to you?
For some, it may bring comfort, a chance to slow down, wrap up warm, and retreat into rest. For others, it can feel isolating, draining, or even overwhelming. And for many, it’s a mix of both.
When we explore our personal relationship with the seasons, we begin to uncover layers of meaning. Perhaps cloudy skies remind you of childhood winters, or maybe they stir feelings of loneliness. Maybe the darker evenings give you permission to rest, or maybe they highlight a longing for connection.
In therapy, we can use the changing seasons as a lens to better understand your inner world. Together, we might:
This process isn’t about fitting you into a diagnosis, but about understanding your lived experience and creating space for self‑compassion and growth.
✨ Invitation: As you notice the days growing shorter, take a moment to ask yourself: What does this season bring up for me? Your answer may hold the key to deeper self‑understanding and gentler self‑care.
