Seasonal Depression, Hygge, and Why Self Compassion Matters
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that follows the rhythm of the seasons. It often begins in late fall and continues through winter. Shorter daylight hours can shift serotonin levels, circadian rhythm, sleep patterns, appetite, and motivation. Many people feel heavier, more tired, or more withdrawn during this time. This is not a character flaw. It is a normal biological response for mammals who live in colder, darker climates. If you live in a northern region like Grand Rapids, Michigan, this cycle is familiar.
Hygge can be a helpful way to meet this seasonal shift. Hygge is the creation of warmth, comfort, coziness, and presence during cold months. It allows you to slow down without shame. When you feel your mood change in winter, leaning into hygge is a compassionate way to respond. Soft clothes, warm blankets, gentle lighting, and hot tea help the nervous system settle. They create a foundation for emotional steadiness during a challenging season.
At Mend Counseling, we intentionally bring this spirit into our therapy space. Our offices in Grand Rapids are warm, calm, and inviting. You can settle into a comfortable chair, hold a hot mug of tea, or wrap a soft blanket around your shoulders. These details are not an afterthought. They are part of how we support clients who struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder or winter depression. The comfort in the room helps people open up. It makes therapy feel less clinical and more human.
This is also the time of year when self compassion matters most. Isolation and self criticism often make seasonal depression worse. When you feel unmotivated or tired in January, it does not mean something is wrong with you. It means your body is responding to the season. Being patient with yourself allows you to move through winter without adding unnecessary pressure or shame.
It is still helpful to challenge yourself with small habits that support mood, like exercise, getting outside, sleeping well, or staying connected to others. These practices help restore energy and balance. But when they feel difficult, it does not mean you are failing. It means your biology is doing what it naturally does in colder climates. Hygge gives you permission to care for yourself gently while you regain strength.
Therapy fits naturally into this rhythm. A cozy therapy session becomes part of your winter care plan. It gives you a reason to leave the house, step into a warm and supportive environment, and talk honestly about how you feel. The blankets, the tea, the soft lighting, and the relational presence of your therapist all work together to make the season feel less heavy.
Mend Counseling is known in the Grand Rapids area for creating a warm and grounded therapy experience. If you are looking for support with seasonal depression or want therapy that feels comforting and relational, we would be honored to sit with you through the colder months.
