How Do You Feel With Autumn/Winter Coming?

As the days grow shorter and the nights arrive earlier, many of us notice shifts in our mood, energy, and motivation.
Autumn and winter can bring comfort: warm drinks, cozy blankets, time indoors; but they can also trigger something much heavier: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

SAD is more than just “winter blues.” It’s a form of depression linked to seasonal changes. You may notice yourself feeling more tired than usual, finding it harder to get out of bed, losing motivation, craving more comfort food, or struggling with feelings of sadness or emptiness.

And if you’re already dealing with stress, anxiety, or other life challenges, this season can make everything feel even heavier.

But here’s the thing: you’re not alone in this. Many people experience the same shift, and naming it is the first step in taking care of yourself.

Some small ways to support yourself as the seasons change:
- Try to spend time outside during daylight hours, even if it’s just a short walk.
- Use warm lighting indoors, or consider a light therapy lamp.
- Keep up gentle movement, even stretching or yoga can help.
- Talk about it, with friends, loved ones, or a therapist who can support you.

Autumn and winter don’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right support, you can move through these months with more ease and self-compassion.

How do you usually feel when this season arrives? Have you noticed SAD or mood changes before? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

If you’re struggling this year, know that I’m here to help, reach out if you’d like to chat about counselling support.