17/10/2025
😭 The Dark Months and Your Mood: What You Need to Know
About SAD💪🏻
Every year when winter rolls around, I start to feel like I’m not running on all cylinders. 🥴
January and February are always the toughest — I’ve just never been a fan of the dark, cold months.
I still get up at 5am and go to the gym (habit is stronger than mood 😅), but it definitely takes more effort. I don’t do as many early morning walks anymore because it’s dark and, let’s be honest, can feel unsafe as a woman. By the time the sun finally decides to show up, the day’s already in full swing.
I wouldn’t say I have full-blown seasonal affective disorder, but the winter months definitely take their toll on me - like most people.
So this year I’m being proactive — I’ve upped my vitamin D to make up for the lack of sunshine ☀️ and treated myself to a little SAD lamp to help boost my energy and mood.
I’m going to be talking more about SAD in my Menopause Queen group and how it can affect women during this transition, but I feel it’s too important not to share on my personal page too.
If people are already struggling with depression, SAD can be a very unwelcome addition, and I think it’s something worth talking about openly.
💪🏻 So over the next few days I'm going to be talking about how to prevent it, what causes it, nutrition that will help and how to boost your serotonin naturally.
Just a quick note: I’m sharing this for educational purposes and it’s not a replacement for advice or treatment from your GP or healthcare professional.
📌 If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts — whether or not SAD is involved — it’s crucial to reach out for help now, not later.
In the UK, you can contact:
Samaritans – call 116 123 (24/7, free).
Shout – text 85258 for immediate text support.
Mind – call 0300 123 3393 for mental health information and guidance.
Anyone else notice their motivation dips in winter? How do you get through the darker months safely? 💛
