As the Autumn Equinox marks the turning of the seasons, we feel the shift in the air—longer nights, cooler days, and the light slowly waning as we enter the darker half of the year. For many, this seasonal change can feel like more than just a change in the weather. It's a moment of inner transition as well.
In fact, the fall and winter months often bring what’s known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), especially during the winter onset, a time when the lack of sunlight can lead to symptoms of depression. This connection between the seasons and our mental health is real, and it’s essential to recognize and address these feelings as they arise.
The Power of Seasonal Transitions: Embracing the Dark
As nature prepares for winter’s rest, we too might feel a pull towards stillness and introspection. The transition into the darker months can bring up more than just a desire to cozy up inside; it can sometimes lead to a shift in mood that feels like a painful darkness—like you’re losing a bit of your light. Seasonal Affective Disorder winter onset can affect many individuals during this time, bringing feelings of sadness, fatigue, and a lack of motivation.
But just as the earth experiences cycles of growth and dormancy, so too do we. There is wisdom in honoring this shift. While these darker months can stir up difficult emotions, they also offer an opportunity for deep reflection, healing, and growth. If we can learn to embrace these changes, we may find that this time holds valuable lessons for our mental well-being.
Using the Darkness for Growth: The Importance of Shadow Work
One way to navigate the onset of depression and the changes in your emotional landscape is by viewing this time as an invitation to do what’s called "shadow work." The term comes from Jungian psychology, which suggests that our emotional “shadows” or unconscious patterns often reveal themselves during times of struggle. These shadows can include old wounds, limiting beliefs, or behaviours that no longer serve us.
Instead of fearing the darkness, we can use it as an opportunity to listen in—to sit quietly with ourselves and reflect on the parts of us that need healing. In a way, this period of "darkness" can be a fertile ground for new growth, much like seeds planted in the soil before spring’s bloom.
By creating space for introspection and tuning into what feels uncomfortable, we can begin to unearth the limiting beliefs and patterns that have been holding us back. This process might feel heavy at first, but it’s important to remember that growth often happens in the quiet, reflective periods of our lives.
Befriending Pain to Create Lasting Change
True healing and growth come from being present with our pain. It’s tempting to push through negative emotions or try to outrun them, but when we make peace with our struggles, we learn from them. In this way, depression help doesn’t mean fighting the feelings but rather sitting with them and seeing what wisdom they hold.
Through the process of self-reflection, we can begin to release old patterns—patterns that keep us stuck in cycles of self-doubt or unhappiness. The shift that happens when we shed these old skins can make room for a more vibrant, authentic version of ourselves.
Once we’ve done the internal work, we can begin to shift from survival mode to thriving, where the seeds of growth we’ve planted in the darkness begin to sprout. When we nurture these seeds, we step into a more joyful, expansive way of living.
Reflecting During the Seasonal Shift: How to Start Your Own Healing Process
Taking time to reflect during the darker months can help us process what we’re experiencing and use it for growth. Consider taking a few moments to tune into yourself and ask some key questions that can guide your healing process. Perhaps you may journal your responses.
1. How are you responding to the transition into the darker half of the year? Are you feeling sadness, fatigue, or perhaps a deeper need for rest and reflection? It’s important to honour what comes up without judgment.
2. What turbulence are you feeling internally right now? Sometimes, the pull towards the winter months stirs up old emotional struggles. Acknowledge what is surfacing and give yourself permission to sit with it.
3. What comforts you in the fall/winter season? Is it the crisp air, the scent of autumn leaves, or the warmth of a cozy space? Connecting with the seasonal changes can help soothe feelings of discomfort.
4. What needs to be released in your life? Is there something you’re holding onto that is preventing your growth—old habits, limiting beliefs, or emotional baggage? The act of shedding can be deeply liberating.
5. What messages does your future self have for you? Imagine connecting with yourself at a time in the future when you’ve moved through this darkness—perhaps during the spring. What does this future self want to tell you about the challenges you're facing right now? What encouragement can your future self offer so you can receive it now to guide you forward?
Taking Action for Your Mental Health: Seeking Depression Help
If you’re noticing that your feelings of sadness or hopelessness are growing stronger, it may be time to seek depression help. Whether you’re experiencing seasonal affective disorder or just struggling with the emotional shifts that come with the changing seasons, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate these feelings alone.
Consider talking to a therapist who specializes in SAD or depression. They can help you uncover underlying emotional patterns and give you tools to manage the seasonal shifts.
Practice self-care by maintaining a routine, getting some sunlight when possible, and engaging in activities that bring you comfort.
Look into light therapy, which is a well-established treatment for seasonal affective disorder winter onset. A light box can help regulate your circadian rhythms and improve your mood during the darker months. Personally, I love my daily, rain or shine, mid-day outdoor walk. I like how it combines moderate movement with daylight exposure. Both are so good for the brain and eases low mood.
Conclusion: The Light Within the Darkness
The shift into the darker months can feel overwhelming, but it also holds incredible potential for personal growth. By using this time for introspection, embracing the natural cycles of the year, and seeking the right support, you can move through this season with intention and emerge stronger. As you reflect, remember that the darkness is not to be feared but rather a part of your personal journey toward healing, growth, and renewal.
Embrace this time, honour both the earth's and your own cycles, and take steps to care for your mental health—it may be the key to finding deeper peace, understanding, and joy and light in the months to come.
What ways are you looking after your mental health this season? Feel free to reach out or post a comment.
If you found this post useful, please consider sharing it with others. Thank you!
Comments