April 3, 2026

Finding Steadiness During Seasonal Blues

By Elyse Hopfe, RLS Foundation Program Manager

Often, as the colder months of the year arrive, many of us feel cornered by an all-too-familiar wave of sadness. For some, it might be described as glum or melancholy. For others, it may feel like numbness. And for many, it may be described as depression, which can also include a clinical diagnosis.

There are two essential truths of this sensation that those who experience it may need to hear.

One truth is that your mood being influenced by the weather, temperature or duration of daylight hours is a scientific, naturally occurring phenomenon. Research on seasonal changes in mood and behavior show that a significant portion of people experience increased depressive or anxious symptoms during the winter months, even if they do not meet the full clinical criteria for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Even the emotional weight of the holiday season can be a trigger for these feelings.

Many species, even beyond humans, are used to slowing down in several ways for colder temperatures and shorter days because our bodies are so complex and sensitive to our environment. When the weather changes, our bodies work extra hard to adjust to our surroundings, making some seasons more difficult for certain people, both physically and mentally. Also, sleep and wake cycles shifted by different hours of sunlight can disrupt your circadian rhythm and sleep cycle and, consequently, your mental health.

A second and more important truth is that you are never alone in this. No matter how isolated you may feel, it is guaranteed that there are support systems available to meet you where you are mentally. Not everyone can just step into the sunshine and feel better for the rest of the season, especially when feeling lost or miserable. For all who are facing a decline in their usual mood, there is a dedicated community that understands and wants to help, even just by listening. Sometimes, admitting that you don’t feel like yourself is the first step toward coping with “cold weather blues” or “warm weather blues,” depending on the individual.

There isn't one universal solution to these mood shifts, but addressing them starts with listening to your inner voice. Perhaps, during a happier season, you regularly engage in activities like hiking, swimming, seeing family or creating art. What feeds your soul? If you are not able to engage in these activities at certain times of the year, it may be helpful to find an alternative activity that you can enjoy even half as much in the meantime. Self-expression, exercise and finding community are a few types of seasonal activities that may nourish you.

If you would like a community of support or a one-on-one conversation with someone who understands RLS, the RLS Foundation has a dedicated group of volunteers who are ready to support you. In an emergency, help is available by calling 911 or texting a crisis hotline for immediate assistance. Sometimes, you might need someone to just listen, and that is part of the beauty of what humans can offer to one another.