Let’s Talk About Seasonal Depression

The seasons may shift — but your light doesn’t have to fade.

As the days grow shorter and colder, many people begin to feel a heaviness they can’t quite explain. This shift in mood and energy is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - a form of depression that typically occurs during autumn and winter months, when natural sunlight is limited.  Seasonal Affective Disorder is a very real condition that can bring on symptoms of depression, fatigue, sadness, and a sense of heaviness that’s hard to explain. We feel it in our bodies, in our emotions and in our energy.

The change in weather, the shorter days, and the earlier sunsets all begin to shift how many people feel, sometimes not understanding the reasons behind what they are feeling. If you’re noticing this too, you’re not alone many of us feel this seasonal change on a deep level. Recognising the signs early can make all the difference, and Reiki is one of the gentle, supportive ways I use to help realign and rebalance.

It may not look the same for everyone but here in Melbourne, many people are feeling it deeply. Over the past few years, we’ve collectively faced immense challenges trauma, isolation, anxiety, mood disorders, and deep emotional shifts.

A lot of what we’re feeling now is still the aftershock of COVID and for some, those layers of emotional distress are now being compounded by Seasonal Affective Disorder.

As the light fades and the seasons shift, those who are prone to seasonal depression or who have never experienced it before may suddenly find themselves navigating two waves of emotional difficulty: pre-existing trauma and the heavy, cold weight of the seasonal blues.

It can feel overwhelming, but there is support and what we often don’t realise is that trauma, whether recent or long past, can make Seasonal Affective Disorder feel even more intense.

Whether you receive Reiki in person or through a distance session, the healing helps you feel like you’re taking back control of your life. That feeling of doing something proactive something nourishing for your body, mind, and spirit can truly shift your perspective.

Reiki brings deep relaxation, which is often the very opposite of what we feel when depression and anxiety are weighing us down. And because those two often go hand in hand, calming the nervous system is one of the most powerful ways to manage both.

One of the most common symptoms of depression is disconnection - from loved ones, friends, and even from ourselves. Reiki helps bridge that gap. During a session, whether in person or from a distance, you’re not alone. You’re receiving care, intention, and connection - and sometimes, that alone can begin to ease the weight of depression.

When you choose Reiki, you’re choosing to put yourself first. You’re choosing balance, calm, and healing. You’re saying “yes” to taking small but meaningful steps toward feeling more like yourself again.

Reiki also supports stress relief, and as many of us know, stress can worsen depressive symptoms. By calming the nervous system and gently clearing energy blockages, Reiki may reduce stress and in turn, help soften the heaviness of depression.

So let this be your gentle reminder to take care of your beautiful self.