A lot of people struggle with their mental health. In fact, more than 20% of American adults experienced some type of mental illness in 2024. This equates to over 60 million people. And isn’t that staggering?
Of course, there are many different mental health conditions. Everyone has a unique experience here – whether they have an anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD, or a psychotic disorder, like schizophrenia. Some conditions are among the most common health issues worldwide.
And mental health fluctuates. Several factors will influence it throughout the year. Daylight hours. Physical health changes. Seasons. Social schedules. All of that has an impact, and this can surprise some individuals.
So, if you are wondering how your mental health might chance throughout the year, keep reading on.
Winter
First up, winter. The days are shorter. The weather is colder. And, let’s face it, the holidays can bring a lot of stress. It should be no surprise that all of this would affect a person’s mental health.
This is the season in which SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder – is triggered. This type of depression occurs year after year, most commonly in winter. If you suffer from it, then you might experience constant low moods, hopelessness, and a lack of interest, even if things you once enjoyed.
Diagnosing Seasonal Affective Disorder is advised if your symptoms are severe or persistent. There are numerous treatment options. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for example, is one of the most common therapies for this condition.
But it might not be SAD you experience. With less sunlight, serotonin drops and melatonin production increases. You’ll be sleepier. Then, with the addition of social isolation due to colder weather, you’ll be lonelier, too.
Spring
As the year moves on, we say “bye-bye” to winter and “hello” to spring. While there is a possibility of triggering spring-onset SAD, spring generally improves mental health. This occurs by increasing energy, optimism, and social activity, as a result of longer days and warmer weather.
There can be some difficulty as the days become longer. To cope, you are best to establish a routine. You should aim to wake up earlier and naturally align with the sun. Doing so can boost energy levels. However, do not jump into this with big adjustments. Instead, shift your sleep schedule in 15 to 30 minutes increments to avoid disruption.
Summer
While you might imagine that summer would be fabulous for mental health, there are some difficulties. For one, higher temperatures. Intense heat is associated with higher cortisol levels – the stress hormone. This could eventually lead to agitation, irritability, and even a rise in aggressive behavior. Research by the University of California proves this.
But there are more physical factors to be aware of. Allergies – such as hay fever – often cause physical discomfort and symptoms. These symptoms include fatigue or tightness in the chest. If you experience them, you’ll find they mimic and even exacerbate panic attacks and anxiety.
Fall
Finally, fall. As you’d imagine, this is when the feelings associated with SAD begin once more. Days are getting shorter. Sunlight is reducing. And routines are shifting – and not for the better. Most of this will be the same as that experienced in winter.
If you can, focus on filling your days with cozy activities here. There is usually a lot to do in fall, so make the most of it. Pumpkin picking. Drinking hot cocoa. Wearing comfortable clothes. All of this – despite sounding simple – will have an impact on your mental health.
To conclude, throughout the year, your mental health will fluctuate. This can be tough, of course, but you mustn’t accept these changes as inevitable. If you can, nurture your mental health as best you can, even if that requires seeking professional help.
Only by doing this will your mental wellbeing remain strong as the seasons change.
