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As the seasons shift, many people notice their mood shifting as well. Shorter days, colder weather, or even the stress of upcoming holidays can leave us feeling low in energy, less motivated, or unusually irritable. Less sunshine means less vitamin D, which can cause problems. For some folks, these changes are mild and temporary. For others, these may become more persistent and contribute to ongoing struggles with depression or anxiety, or develop into a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Left unaddressed, seasonal symptoms can lead to disrupted sleep, withdrawal from social activities, difficulty concentrating at work or school, and an overall lower overall quality of life. Unresolved seasonal mood shifts can also contribute to worsening mental health conditions, making recovery more challenging. Simply put - our mental health does not pause just because the seasons change, and neither should our care for it.
So, what can we do about it? There are practical strategies people can try at home to manage seasonal mood shifts:
When does seeking professional help become important? While occasional dips in energy are common as the seasons change, professional support becomes important if low mood lingers for more than two weeks, begins interfering with sleep, work, relationships, or daily responsibilities. This is particularly important if feelings of hopelessness arise. These are signs that seasonal mood changes may be more than just a temporary slump.
Mental health professionals can provide several layers of support:
Seeking help does not mean something is “wrong” with you—it simply means you’re taking steps to care for your well-being. By paying attention to mood or behavior changes with the seasons and reaching out for support when needed, you’re investing in your health, resilience, and quality of life.