{"id":25471,"date":"2014-09-25T06:00:01","date_gmt":"2014-09-25T13:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=25471"},"modified":"2024-03-11T17:22:34","modified_gmt":"2024-03-11T21:22:34","slug":"does-your-mood-change-with-the-seasons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/does-your-mood-change-with-the-seasons-0925144","title":{"rendered":"Does Your Mood Change with the Seasons?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"GoodTherapyFall and winter bring cooler nights and darker mornings. Along with the temperature and light changes, many people are also dealing with back-to-school changes for themselves or their children. There are changes in schedules, routines, expectations, and even relationships.<\/p>\n

Though many people consider spring to be a time of new beginnings, autumn is that for many people. It is a time of reflection on the summer and the year thus far, as well as a time of preparation for the winter and upcoming holidays. As we enter the harvest season, consider the physical, emotional, and relational ways you may be affected by this transition.<\/p>\n

The impact of light and temperature on the human body is profound. We all need some level of light and warmth for our bodies to survive and thrive. Autumn, for some parts of the world, marks a change in both light and warmth as we approach colder and darker days.<\/p>\n

Consider the ideal temperature and amount of light that you physically desire. Do you love the bright sun and hot weather? Or do you prefer cooler temperatures with less intense sunlight? Are you more active now than you were two months ago? Or are you struggling to be physically active? Whatever your preference, the change in season will affect you. Understanding and responding to your needs will help you prepare for whatever season is approaching.<\/p>\n

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Many people struggle with seasonal affective mood issues, commonly referred to as seasonal affective disorder (SAD)\u2014a depression<\/a> related to the change in seasons. For most, this begins in fall and continues through the winter months. It\u2019s marked by moodiness<\/a>, low energy, difficulty sleeping<\/a>, a lack of interest in activities and relationships<\/a>, feeling hopeless, and an overall sense of depression. Known more casually as \u201cthe winter blues,\u201d SAD can have a significant impact on your mood and relationships. If you are more irritable<\/a>, withdrawn<\/a>, or moody during the winter months, the time to plan and prepare is now.<\/p>\n

\u201cVanessa\u201d called me at the beginning of August wanting therapy<\/a> to plan for the winter. I was impressed that she was being so proactive. \u201cI can\u2019t do winter like that again,\u201d she told me when I praised her. She wasn\u2019t willing to experience another winter feeling as low as she did last year, so she wanted to do it differently this time.<\/p>\n

To help you prepare for the upcoming season, ask yourself the following questions:<\/p>\n