Why some people feel happier in spring—And why others don’t
Spring is often celebrated for its promise of renewal, a season where everything seems to come to life. As the days stretch out and nature blossoms, it feels as though the world is waking up from a long slumber. There’s a certain optimism that comes with it—a sense that the year is beginning again, fresh and full of possibilities. However, for many of us, the experience of spring is not always so straightforward. Some people find themselves feeling off during this season, even when the world around them is flourishing. The contrast between the warmth and light of spring and our inner worlds can sometimes leave us wondering: why don’t I feel better?
To explore this, it’s important to consider how we relate to the changing seasons, especially for those who experience something like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This isn’t simply a matter of feeling a little down during the colder months; it’s a unique experience that can shape how we engage with the world at certain times of the year.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a term used to describe a pattern of feeling low or withdrawn that emerges during certain times of the year, most commonly in the winter. For people who experience SAD, the shift in seasons can bring about a sense of emotional heaviness, with changes in mood, energy levels, and motivation. This can be especially noticeable when the days grow shorter and sunlight becomes less frequent. During these times, people might notice a sense of fatigue, low mood, or difficulty feeling motivated to engage with the things they usually enjoy. For some, it may feel as though they are running on empty, even in the face of daily responsibilities.
What sets SAD apart from typical seasonal tiredness is its pattern and its impact on daily life. It can extend over weeks or months, with some individuals feeling this shift in mood and energy almost as reliably as the arrival of colder weather. Symptoms might include:
A sense of sadness or emotional withdrawal
Feelings of fatigue or a lack of energy, even with rest
Changes in sleeping habits (either sleeping too much or struggling to rest)
A shift in appetite, sometimes with a craving for specific types of food, like carbs
Difficulty finding enjoyment in usual activities or socialising
A sense of concentration being harder to maintain
For many people, these feelings may begin to ease as the days grow longer and spring approaches. But for others, the adjustment to changing seasons may take some time, and it’s important to recognize that it’s not always a quick transition from one mood state to another.
While the reasons for SAD are not fully understood, many feel it may have to do with how we respond to light, or the lack of it. The seasons affect our body’s rhythms and, as a result, the way we feel and relate to the world.
The impact of spring on mental health
When spring arrives, it can feel like an invitation to reset. Longer days and warmer weather naturally bring more light and more opportunities to connect with the world outside. For some, spring brings with it an automatic boost—there’s something about the sunlight that lifts the mood, making us feel more energetic and more open to new possibilities. There’s even a term for this sense of renewal: "spring fever," where people experience a burst of motivation, social energy, and positive feelings.
So, what’s happening here?
Sunlight is known to have an effect on our body’s internal rhythms, known as circadian rhythms, which help guide our wake-sleep cycles. With the arrival of longer days, many of us naturally feel more awake and alert. And when we’re outside, soaking up the sun, it can feel like we’re also soaking up a sense of well-being, as exposure to light increases serotonin levels in the brain—helping to lift mood and reduce feelings of stress.
But it’s not just the light that has an impact. There’s a social aspect to spring too. After months of colder weather that might keep us indoors or feeling more isolated, the warmer days invite us to connect with others. Whether it’s spending time with friends, enjoying outdoor activities, or simply interacting with the people around us, spring can encourage a sense of social belonging that many find nourishing for their mental and emotional well-being.
However, for some, there can also be pressure to feel and act a certain way in spring. The increased expectation to be happy, social, and productive can sometimes feel overwhelming. The natural sense of vitality that spring brings might not always match how someone is feeling internally. This can lead to a sense of frustration or self-doubt if we’re unable to meet external expectations or if we struggle to feel the same joy that others seem to experience.
The darker side of spring
But what if, despite the sun shining and the flowers blooming, you don’t feel that springtime joy?
Not everyone feels a surge of happiness when spring arrives. For some, the seasonal shift brings an added sense of pressure to match the outward cheerfulness of the season. The idea that we should feel joyful and active because it’s “spring” can feel burdensome. Those who are navigating mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression might find themselves struggling with the contrast between how the world feels and how they feel inside.
This disconnect can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or guilt—especially if there’s a belief that others are thriving while we’re not. But it’s crucial to remember that your experience is valid. Just because the season is changing outwardly, it doesn’t automatically mean that all parts of you are in sync with that external shift.
Additionally, for people who experience SAD, the transition into spring can be a time of adjustment. While the light increases and the days get longer, the body and mind might take time to respond, and it can feel like there’s a gap before the mood shifts accordingly. It’s not a simple or immediate process.
Spring and the science of mood
Spring has an undeniable power to shape how we feel, in part because of how light influences our brains. Exposure to sunlight affects serotonin levels, which are closely tied to mood regulation. This explains why we tend to feel more uplifted when the days grow longer and brighter.
However, there’s more to it than just biology. Spring carries with it a deeper symbolic meaning for many people. It’s often seen as a time for fresh starts, for growth, and for embracing new possibilities. In many ways, the very nature of the season—its invitation to renew, to grow, and to look forward—can serve as a powerful motivator for change and healing. This energy is available to everyone, but it can feel particularly resonant for those who are ready to embrace it.
Navigating mental health through the seasons
Spring reminds us that change is an essential part of life—change is inevitable, but it’s also necessary. The arrival of spring brings the promise of new growth, and it can offer a gentle reminder to allow ourselves time for rest, reflection, and renewal. Just like flowers bloom after the cold, dark winter, we too can emerge from our own seasons of hardship with time, care, and patience.
But for some, spring isn’t as simple as just feeling better. Whether it’s due to SAD, other emotional challenges, or just feeling out of sync with the season, it’s important to recognize that mental health doesn’t follow the same timeline as the seasons. Spring is not a cure-all, and it’s okay to feel differently than the world around you seems to suggest.
The key is to reflect on how the changing seasons affect you and to respond to your emotional needs with compassion and kindness. Every person’s relationship with the seasons is unique, and it’s important to honour your experience, wherever it may be.
Spring is undeniably a time of change—but it’s also a reminder that mental health is deeply personal. For some, the arrival of spring marks a time for growth and renewal. For others, it may be a time of uncertainty or transition. Either way, understanding the impact of the season and tending to your well-being with patience and care is key to navigating the ebb and flow of life through the seasons.