How Hygge Helps with During Winter Depression
Written by Peter Cappon, LPC, founder of Mend Counseling, a psychotherapy practice offering in-person and online therapy.
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 Many people feel heavier, more tired, or more withdrawn during this time.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.
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 notice your mood changing in winter, leaning into hygge can be a compassionate response. Soft clothes, warm blankets, gentle lighting, and hot tea help the nervous system settle and create a foundation for steadiness during a challenging season.
At Mend Counseling, we intentionally bring this spirit into our therapy space. The environment is 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 people who struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder or winter depression. Comfort helps people open up and makes therapy feel more human and less clinical.
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, such as exercise, time outside, sleep, or staying connected to others. These practices help restore energy and balance. When they feel difficult, it does not mean you are failing. It means your biology is doing what it naturally does in colder months. Hygge gives you permission to care for yourself gently while you regain strength.
Therapy fits naturally into this rhythm. A cozy therapy session can become part of your winter care plan. It gives you a reason to leave the house, step into a supportive environment, and talk honestly about how you feel. The warmth of the room and the relational presence of your therapist work together to make the season feel less heavy. For many people, individual therapy becomes one of the ways they stay oriented to themselves during winter.
