How Winter Impacts Mood and Energy: Considerations in Seasonal Mental Health
Shorter days, cooler temperatures, and reduced daylight can influence mood and energy in ways that may feel familiar to many people. For some, the shift toward winter may be associated with slowing down of activities, changes in routines, or reductions in motivation. Changes in circadian rhythms, driven by less natural light, can alter the body’s internal clock, affecting sleep-wake cycles and daytime alertness (Duffy & Czeisler, 2009). Neurochemical changes also play a role; variations in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and melatonin include other mechanisms associated with seasonal shifts, and these changes can influence mood regulation and feelings of vitality (Lam & Levitan, 2000; Melrose, 2015).
Emotional responses to winter are diverse. Some may report sustained decreases in mood, heightened irritability, or a pervasive sense of emotional heaviness that persists for longer duration (Melrose, 2015). Others may exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as increased impairments in attention and concentration (Melrose, 2015). Seasonal patterns can interact with existing mental health conditions, sometimes amplifying symptoms or altering the usual course of emotional well-being (Lam & Levitan, 2000; Melrose, 2015).
Social rhythms and activity levels tend to change in winter as well. Diminished opportunities for outdoor engagement, alterations in daily routines, and changes in social expectations during holiday periods may influence people’s sense of connectedness and perceived purpose. Environmental factors, such as cold weather and fewer daylight hours, can contribute to a decrease in physical movement, which in turn can influence energy and mood (Wehr et al., 2001).
Awareness of seasonal influences can contribute to the identification of patterns in emotional experience.
References
Duffy, J. F., & Czeisler, C. A. (2009). Effect of light on human circadian physiology. Sleep Medicine Clinics
Lam, R. W., & Levitan, R. D. (2000). Pathophysiology of seasonal affective disorder: A review. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience
Melrose, S. (2015). Seasonal affective disorder: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches. Depression Research and Treatment
Wehr, T. A., Duncan, W. C., Sher, L., Aeschbach, D., Schwartz, P. J., Turner, E. H., ... & Rosenthal, N. E. (2001). A circadian signal of change of season in patients with seasonal affective disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry
