Finding Light in the Darker Months: Understanding Seasonal Depression

by Charlotte Lee

As the clocks ‘fall back’ and the evenings draw in, the world around us begins to slow. The

days feel shorter, the light slips away earlier, and for many of us, that shift brings a quiet

heaviness. The dark evenings can feel daunting, as though the season itself asks us to

retreat inward.

We often joke about “seasonal depression,” but for many, it’s far more than a passing

mood. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real and recognised form of depression that

follows a seasonal pattern, usually appearing as autumn fades into winter.

What's really happening

While the exact causes aren’t fully understood, the NHS explains that SAD is closely linked to

the reduced sunlight that comes with shorter days. This lack of light affects a part of the

brain called the hypothalamus, which plays an important role in regulating mood, sleep, and

energy levels. When sunlight becomes scarce, our body’s natural rhythm can fall out of step.

You might find yourself feeling more tired than usual, craving sugary or carbohydrate-rich

foods, or sleeping longer but waking unrefreshed. For some, this shift is subtle, a gradual

dimming of energy and motivation while for others, it can feel like a fog settling in.

Our emotions, too, begin to change. The world outside grows quieter, and sometimes our

inner world does the same. You might notice that things which usually bring joy start to feel

flat or distant. Concentration becomes harder, irritability creeps in, and it can feel as though

a part of your spark has dimmed. This isn’t simply “winter blues”; it’s your body and mind

responding to the absence of light and it deserves compassion, not dismissal.

How to recognise seasonal depression

SAD often begins slowly, showing up in small ways that are easy to overlook. You might find

yourself withdrawing from plans, feeling a persistent low mood, or losing interest in hobbies

that once lifted you. Mornings can feel heavier, as though getting out of bed takes more

effort than before. It’s not uncommon to feel a sense of guilt for not being as productive or

cheerful as usual, but it’s important to remember that this is not a reflection of weakness.

It’s a biological and emotional response to seasonal change.

For many, SAD also carries a feeling of disconnection, as though the world is moving around

you, but you’re standing still inside it. This can lead to frustration, loneliness, and a quiet

sense of despair that’s hard to put into words. Recognising these signs early and naming

them for what they are a natural, human reaction to seasonal darkness, can be the first step

toward healing.

Gentle ways to find balance

There is no single cure for SAD, and recovery often looks different for everyone. What

matters most is finding small, nurturing ways to support yourself through the season. The

mental health charity Mind suggests that spending time in natural light, even briefly, can

make a real difference. Try to step outside in the morning, take a walk on your lunch break,

or simply sit by a bright window. Light helps reset your internal clock and gently lifts

serotonin levels the body’s natural mood enhancer.

Movement can also help bring warmth back into both body and mind. Whether it’s yoga,

dancing in your kitchen, or a quiet stroll, physical activity releases tension and restores

energy. Connecting with others is another powerful tool, sharing how you feel with a friend,

loved one, or community group can ease isolation and remind you that you’re not alone.

According to Mind, practical tools such as light therapy, mindfulness practices, or talking

therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can also be deeply helpful. And if you’re

struggling to cope, reaching out to your GP or a qualified therapist is an important and

courageous step. There’s strength in seeking support.

Finding support at Abuelita's

At Abuelita’s, we understand how deeply the changing seasons can affect both body and

mind. Our practitioners offer integrative, heart-centred therapies that nurture wellbeing

from the inside out. Nutritional therapy can help restore hormonal and emotional balance

through food, while craniosacral therapy works with the nervous system to release tension

and encourage deep rest.

Abuelita’s nutritional therapist, Lucia Stansbie, specialises in areas such as gut health,

hormone balance, and emotional wellbeing. Her sessions focus on rebuilding resilience

through food - helping clients understand how nutrition can support energy levels and

mood during the darker months. Alongside this, craniosacral therapy offers a safe space to

ease nervous-system overload, calm tension in the body, and help you reconnect when life

feels overwhelming.

For those drawn to movement and stillness, yoga and breathwork sessions at Abuelita’s

offer another way to gently rebalance. These practices encourage slow, mindful connection

with the body - softening the effects of stress, easing fatigue, and grounding you when light

and energy feel scarce. Even a few deep, conscious breaths can be a reminder that calm still

exists within you, no matter what’s happening outside.

Our approach is gentle and human; we meet you where you are, helping you reconnect with

your body, restore energy, and rediscover light even in winter’s quieter days. You can

explore our integrative wellbeing packages or simply reach out for a chat to see what feels

right for you.

At Abuelita’s, we believe that everyone deserves access to care that nurtures their health

and happiness. Our team is always happy to talk through which therapies or wellbeing

pathways might best support your needs this season.