The days are short. The sun sets before you leave work. The cold makes it harder to get outside. You find yourself canceling plans, sleeping more than usual, and feeling like everything requires more energy than it should. Friends tell you it is just winter, that everyone feels this way, that spring will come eventually.
But something feels off. You wonder if this heaviness is normal or if you should be worried. You catch yourself searching seasonal depression Colorado, winter depression symptoms, or therapy for seasonal affective disorder and questioning whether what you are feeling counts as real depression or if you are just being dramatic.
At Better Lives, Building Tribes, we want you to know that your experience matters, whether it fits neatly into a diagnosis or not. This article will help you understand the difference between winter blues and seasonal depression, how Colorado winters can uniquely affect mental health, and when reaching out for therapy might be the right next step.
What Are The Winter Blues?
Winter blues are common. They describe a mild dip in mood and energy that happens during the colder, darker months. You might feel:
- A little less motivated to socialize or exercise.
- More drawn to comfort foods and cozy nights in.
- Slightly lower energy, but still able to function in daily life.
- A general sense of “blah” without significant distress.
Winter blues are temporary and do not usually interfere with your ability to work, maintain relationships, or take care of yourself. They lift naturally as the days get longer and spring approaches.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder, often called SAD, is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. It typically begins in late fall or early winter and improves in spring and summer. Unlike winter blues, SAD significantly impacts your daily functioning and emotional wellbeing.
Common symptoms of seasonal depression include:
- Persistent low mood. Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty most of the day, nearly every day.
- Loss of interest. Activities you used to enjoy feel flat or meaningless.
- Changes in sleep. Oversleeping, difficulty waking up, or feeling exhausted no matter how much you rest.
- Changes in appetite. Cravings for carbohydrates or comfort foods, often leading to weight gain.
- Difficulty concentrating. Trouble focusing at work or making decisions.
- Social withdrawal. Isolating from friends and family, even when you know connection might help.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Being overly critical of yourself or feeling like a burden to others.
If these symptoms last for weeks, not just a day or two, and they interfere with your ability to function, you might be experiencing seasonal depression rather than typical winter blues.
How Colorado Winters Affect Mental Health
Colorado is known for its sunshine, but winter here still brings challenges. High altitude, intense weather swings, and the isolating nature of mountain living can all contribute to seasonal mood changes.
Reduced Daylight
Even though Colorado gets more sunny days than many other states, the shorter daylight hours in winter still affect your circadian rhythm and serotonin levels. Less sunlight exposure can disrupt sleep and mood regulation.
Social Isolation
Winter storms, icy roads, and cold temperatures can make it harder to leave the house. If you already struggle with loneliness or live far from family and friends, winter can amplify feelings of disconnection.
Altitude and Mental Health
Research suggests that high altitude living may be linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety. The lower oxygen levels can affect brain chemistry and energy levels, potentially worsening mood symptoms during winter.
Pressure to “Love” Colorado Winters
Colorado culture often celebrates outdoor winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. If you do not enjoy these or cannot afford to participate, it can create an extra layer of isolation or shame when everyone around you seems to be thriving.
When Should You Consider Therapy For Seasonal Depression?
Many people try to tough it out, assuming their mood will improve on its own once spring arrives. While that may be true for mild winter blues, waiting months to feel better is not always necessary or wise.
Consider reaching out for therapy if:
- Your mood is affecting your ability to work, parent, or maintain relationships.
- You are withdrawing from people and activities in ways that worry you.
- You have thoughts of hopelessness or wondering if life is worth living.
- You are using alcohol, food, or other substances to cope with how you feel.
- You have a history of depression and notice familiar patterns returning.
- You feel stuck and unsure how to help yourself, even though you want to feel better.
Therapy does not mean you are broken. It means you are taking your mental health seriously and getting support during a difficult season.
What Therapy For Seasonal Depression Looks Like
Therapy for seasonal depression is not about forcing positivity or telling you to “just go outside more.” It is about understanding what is happening in your body and mind, building coping strategies that actually work, and creating connection during a season that often feels isolating.
At Better Lives, Building Tribes, therapy for depression might include:
- Understanding your patterns. We explore how your mood shifts with the seasons and what triggers or worsens your symptoms.
- Building behavioral activation. We help you identify small, manageable actions that can improve mood, even when motivation is low.
- Addressing negative thought patterns. Depression often comes with harsh self criticism or hopelessness. We work to challenge and reframe these thoughts without dismissing your pain.
- Strengthening connection. Isolation makes depression worse. We focus on how to maintain relationships and seek support, even when it feels hard.
- Exploring medication options. While we do not prescribe medication, we can help you decide if consulting with a psychiatrist might be beneficial and support you through that process.
We offer virtual therapy for adults across Colorado, which means you can access support from home without worrying about winter driving or leaving the house when you are already feeling low.
Practical Ways To Support Your Mental Health This Winter
Therapy is a powerful tool, but there are also small, concrete steps you can take on your own to support your wellbeing during winter months.
Prioritize Light Exposure
Get outside during daylight hours whenever possible, even if it is just for a short walk. Consider a light therapy box if mornings are especially hard. Talk to your therapist or doctor about how to use it safely and effectively.
Move Your Body Gently
Exercise does not have to mean intense workouts. Gentle movement like stretching, yoga, or a slow walk can help regulate mood and energy. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
Stay Connected, Even When You Do Not Feel Like It
Depression lies and tells you that no one cares or that you are a burden. Reach out to one trusted person, even if it is just a text. Connection is medicine.
Limit Alcohol and Substances
It is tempting to use alcohol or other substances to numb difficult feelings, but they often make depression worse over time. If you notice you are relying on substances to get through winter, that is a sign to seek support.
Be Honest About What You Need
Give yourself permission to say no to events that feel overwhelming. It is okay to take a step back from obligations while you focus on your mental health.
How Better Lives, Building Tribes Supports You Through Seasonal Depression
At Better Lives, Building Tribes, we understand that depression is not just a mood problem. It affects your sense of self, your relationships, and your hope for the future. Our approach is warm, direct, and rooted in the belief that healing happens in connection.
We do not pathologize your experience or treat you like a diagnosis. We see you as a full person navigating a hard season, and we are here to walk alongside you.
When you work with us, you can expect:
- A therapist who listens without judgment and validates your experience.
- Practical tools you can use in real life, not just abstract theories.
- A focus on building connection and belonging, even when depression makes you want to isolate.
- Culturally aware care that honors your identities and life story.
Next Steps: Getting Support For Seasonal Depression In Colorado
If you are struggling with winter depression, you do not have to wait until spring to feel better. Therapy can help you navigate this season with more ease, clarity, and support.
To start therapy with Better Lives, Building Tribes:
- Visit betterlivesbuildingtribes.com/ to learn more about our services and approach.
- Schedule a session with Dr. Meaghan Rice or another member of our team through the scheduling link on our site.
- Reach out via our contact form to ask questions or find out if we are a good fit for what you are facing.
Winter is hard, but you do not have to go through it alone. We are here to help.
