Many people associate winter with depression. If you’ve heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder, you’ve probably associated it with winter, for example. Some people experience Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, which occurs during the summer months. Less common, but still an issue for some people, is spring depression. This is recurring depression that people experience during the springtime months. If you have experienced depression in two or more springtimes, you might want to consider the potential reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of spring depression.
Allergies May Causes Spring Depression
Spring is a time of renewal, but for some, it’s also a time of physical and emotional discomfort due to seasonal allergies. The blooming of plants and flowers releases pollen into the air, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Allergy symptoms such as congestion, fatigue, and irritability do more than just cause physical discomfort—they can contribute to depression.
Allergic reactions activate an immune response that causes inflammation in the body. Research has linked chronic inflammation to depression because it can interfere with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for regulating mood. When these neurotransmitters are disrupted, individuals may experience mood disturbances, low energy, and increased anxiety.
Beyond biological factors, the stress of dealing with allergy symptoms—including persistent congestion, itchy eyes, or headaches—can be overwhelming. This chronic discomfort can make daily tasks more difficult, lead to poor sleep quality, and increase feelings of frustration or helplessness. Additionally, the burden of ongoing stress has been directly connected to the development or worsening of depression and other mental health concerns. For those who already struggle with mood disorders, seasonal allergies may exacerbate symptoms, making the transition into spring particularly challenging.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
The arrival of spring brings longer days and the start of daylight savings time, which can disrupt people’s natural sleep patterns. The shift in daylight hours alters the body’s circadian rhythm—the internal clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness. A disrupted sleep cycle can lead to difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling well-rested, all of which can negatively affect mood and contribute to symptoms of depression.
Additionally, allergies can further interfere with sleep. Symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure make it harder to breathe at night, leading to poor sleep quality and frequent awakenings. Since sleep plays a crucial role in emotional regulation, ongoing sleep disturbances can increase irritability, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
While Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is most commonly associated with winter, some individuals experience a form of Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder (RSAD) in the spring and summer. This can manifest as insomnia, low mood, and fatigue, exacerbating the mental health challenges caused by sleep disruptions.
Lack of Routine
Spring can bring a shift in daily routines that can be unsettling for those who rely on structure. The arrival of warmer weather, extended daylight hours, and seasonal breaks—such as Spring Break or Easter vacation—can throw off schedules and contribute to a sense of instability.
For individuals who thrive on consistency, disruptions in routine can trigger feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression. Losing control over a structured day may leave them feeling unproductive, disoriented, or overwhelmed. This is particularly true for those with anxiety disorders, for whom predictability is a key element of emotional well-being.
If seasonal changes, holiday breaks, or fluctuating daylight hours have a noticeable impact on your mood and energy levels, it may be helpful to create a new, stable routine to counteract feelings of disorientation or loss of control.
Pressure to Socialize in Spring
Spring is often associated with increased socialization and outdoor activities. With warmer weather comes an expectation to spend more time outside, engage in group events, or attend seasonal gatherings such as weddings and festivals. While some people welcome this change, others may feel overwhelmed or pressured by it.
For those with social anxiety, spring may heighten feelings of discomfort in social situations. The increased number of invitations, the return of outdoor gatherings, and the general expectation to “enjoy the season” can be stressful. Additionally, individuals who struggle with depression may feel isolated or guilty for not participating in social activities at the same level as others.
Spring weddings, family outings, and public events can also bring financial pressures, logistical challenges, and unwanted social obligations. For some, the inability or unwillingness to meet these social expectations may contribute to feelings of inadequacy, exclusion, or low self-worth.
Transition Times
Spring is a season of transition, and with transitions often comes stress. While the change from winter to spring is often welcomed, it can still bring a sense of instability or uncertainty. Life transitions—such as the end of the school year, preparation for summer moves, or the anticipation of upcoming life events—can trigger feelings of anxiety, sadness, or depression.
Many people struggle with change, even when it is positive. The shift from one season to another can disrupt habits, schedules, and expectations. For individuals prone to depression, transition periods may amplify existing feelings of unease or emotional imbalance.
If spring marks a time of significant life changes for you, finding ways to manage stress—such as journaling, therapy, or mindfulness exercises—can help ease the emotional burden that transitions may bring.
Unrealistic Expectations
Spring is often associated with new beginnings and fresh starts, which can create pressure to make changes or achieve goals. Unrealistic expectations or self-imposed pressure can contribute to feelings of inadequacy or failure. This can show up in a number of ways:
- Pressure to achieve fitness goals: With the warmer weather and the start of outdoor activities, some people may feel pressure to achieve certain fitness goals, such as losing weight or building muscle. Setting unrealistic or overly ambitious fitness goals can lead to feelings of failure or inadequacy if they are not met.
- Expectations around spring cleaning: Spring is often associated with cleaning and decluttering, and some people may feel pressure to deep clean their homes or tackle major organization projects. Setting unrealistic expectations around cleaning or organizing can contribute to feelings of overwhelm or failure if these goals are not achieved.
- Unrealistic expectations around productivity: With the arrival of spring, some people may feel pressure to be more productive or get more done. Setting unrealistic expectations around productivity or time management can contribute to feelings of stress or failure if these goals are not met. If you
These things can contribute to depression. Additionally, if you already experience depression, the fatigue and overwhelm of the condition can lead to these things feeling even bigger than they already do.
Disappointment with the Season
While many people look forward to spring, the season doesn’t always meet expectations. Some individuals may feel underwhelmed by the weather, especially in regions where spring remains cold, rainy, or unpredictable. Others may find that seasonal changes do not bring the happiness or excitement they anticipated.
Feeling disconnected from the cultural optimism surrounding spring can lead to a sense of isolation. Those who struggle with depression may feel even more discouraged when they don’t experience the joy and renewal that others seem to embrace.
Managing seasonal expectations and finding small ways to appreciate spring—such as engaging in indoor hobbies or setting personal, realistic goals—can help mitigate disappointment.
Financial Stress
Spring can introduce new financial burdens that may contribute to stress and anxiety. Many seasonal activities, such as vacations, outdoor recreation, weddings, and graduations, come with expenses that can be difficult to manage.
For individuals already experiencing financial strain, the added pressure of seasonal costs can exacerbate feelings of worry, inadequacy, or helplessness. Financial stress is a known trigger for mental health issues, and unexpected spring expenses can make managing depression or anxiety even more challenging.
Taking a proactive approach to budgeting, setting financial priorities, and communicating openly about financial concerns with loved ones can help reduce stress during this time.
Past Traumas
For some individuals, spring is tied to personal memories of traumatic events, anniversaries of losses, or difficult experiences. The return of the season may serve as a painful reminder of past hardships, triggering feelings of grief, sadness, or emotional distress.
Trauma-related responses to seasonal changes can be complex, as certain sights, smells, or weather patterns may evoke subconscious memories. If spring has historically been a challenging time for you, therapy can be a valuable tool for processing emotions and developing coping strategies.
Why Spring is a Great Time to Start Therapy
Spring is a season of change, making it an ideal time to begin therapy with a new therapist. As the world around us shifts, many people experience changes in mood, energy levels, and daily routines. Whether it’s the physical strain of seasonal allergies, disruptions in sleep patterns, or the pressure to embrace new beginnings, therapy can provide a grounding space to navigate these transitions with clarity and support.
One of the key benefits of starting therapy in spring is the opportunity to establish a sense of stability amidst seasonal shifts. Longer daylight hours, social expectations, and shifting schedules can create feelings of disorientation or stress. A therapist can help individuals develop healthy routines, set realistic goals, and find ways to manage the emotional ups and downs that often come with the season. By working through these challenges early, individuals can create a stronger foundation for the months ahead.
Spring is also a time when many people feel pressured to make changes, whether it’s improving fitness, deep cleaning their home, or increasing productivity. While motivation can be helpful, unrealistic expectations can lead to self-criticism and burnout. Therapy offers a space to explore these pressures, helping individuals set meaningful, achievable goals without feeling overwhelmed. A therapist can also help clients recognize patterns of self-judgment and encourage a more compassionate approach to personal growth.
Additionally, for those who experience seasonal depression, therapy can be a proactive tool in managing symptoms before they become overwhelming. If past springs have been difficult due to allergies, social obligations, or personal transitions, therapy can help individuals prepare for these challenges and develop coping strategies in advance. Addressing these issues early in the season can prevent them from escalating and allow for a smoother, more balanced transition into the warmer months.
Spring represents renewal, making it a symbolic and practical time to invest in mental health. By beginning therapy during this season, individuals can embrace personal growth at a pace that feels right for them, with professional guidance to navigate both the opportunities and challenges that come with change.