As the seasons change, so can your mood. If you’ve ever felt your energy dip, your sleep patterns shift, or a heaviness settle in during the shorter days of fall and winter, you’re not imagining it. This very real experience is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and it’s more common than many realize.

Here, we’ll help you understand SAD, how it can affect your mental health, and what steps you can take to find balance and relief.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. It often appears in the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter but can also occur in the spring or summer in rare cases.

Common Symptoms:

Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Fatigue or low energy
Increased sleep or changes in sleep quality
Changes in appetite or weight
Difficulty concentrating
Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
Withdrawal from friends or loved ones

When SAD Becomes Something More

For some people, seasonal depression doesn’t stop at low mood. It can intensify or trigger other mental health challenges, such as:

1. Seasonal Mania or Hypomania

If you live with bipolar disorder—or are predisposed to it—seasonal changes can trigger episodes of hypomania or mania, especially in spring or early summer. These episodes may include:

Increased energy or restlessness
Racing thoughts
Impulsive spending or risky behaviour
Changes in sleep needs

2. Heightened BPD Symptoms

For those with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or emotional dysregulation patterns, seasonal depression can amplify:

Emotional instability
Increased impulsivity
Self-harm urges or relational conflict

3. Anxiety and Panic Disorders

The added stress of seasonal changes, reduced daylight, and disrupted routines can heighten anxiety symptoms or panic attacks.

4. Trauma Triggers

The holidays or anniversaries during certain seasons can resurface grief or traumatic memories, deepening emotional pain.

Recognizing these patterns early can help you and your therapist develop coping strategies to prevent escalation.

Coping with Seasonal Depression

Seasonal depression is not something you need to navigate alone. While routines and small changes can help, the most effective and sustainable way to find relief is by working through it with a qualified therapist.

At Light of Mind Therapy, we provide a safe, trauma-informed, and culturally aware space to help you:

Understand your unique symptoms and seasonal triggers
Explore how seasonal shifts may impact emotional regulation, mood swings, or even seasonal mania
Build practical, personalized tools to manage your symptoms
Process deeper emotional pain or trauma that may resurface during seasonal transitions

Seeking therapy isn’t about “fixing” yourself, it’s about finding support, clarity, and healing, so you can move through the seasons with greater stability and ease.

When to Seek Support

If you’re experiencing:

Suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness
Intense mood swings or mania
Difficulty functioning in daily life
Worsening anxiety, panic, or BPD symptoms

…it may be time to reach out for help.

At Light of Mind Therapy, we offer trauma-informed, culturally aware, and evidence-based care to help you navigate seasonal shifts with greater stability and ease. Together, we can explore what’s beneath the surface, build personalized strategies for relief, and support you in creating the balance you deserve.

Helpful Resources

Take the First Step

You don’t have to face seasonal depression alone.
Book your session today and take the first step toward clarity, relief, and healing.

Your feelings are valid. Relief is possible. Support is here.

You’re Not Alone