As the seasons change, I notice how many people quietly begin to struggle.
Shorter days. Less light. A slower rhythm that can feel heavy instead of restful. For some, this shows up as seasonal depression. For others, it blends into a broader sense of exhaustion, anxiety, or emotional distance. And for many, it goes unnamed altogether.
What concerns me most is not just the rise in symptoms, but the silence that often surrounds them. We are living through a growing mental health crisis, yet so many people feel they have to carry it alone. They tell themselves it is temporary. That others have it worse. That they should be able to manage.
In a way, the hardest part is not the feeling itself, but the isolation that comes with it.
This is why reaching out matters now more than ever. Not with perfectly formed explanations or polished language, but with honesty. Saying I am not okay. Saying I am struggling more than usual. Saying I need to talk.
These conversations do not have to be dramatic or definitive. They can be quiet. They can be messy. They can simply be the first step toward feeling less alone.
Mental health is not something we solve in isolation. It lives in connection, in being seen, in allowing ourselves to be met where we are. If this season feels heavier than most, know that you are not failing. You are human.
And if you can, reach out. Let someone know what you are carrying. That small act can make more difference than you realize.
If you feel there’s no one you can reach out to this season, please refer to the list of free resources available in North America:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) - Call or text 988, or chat online for free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Available for anyone experiencing emotional distress or crisis.
NAMI HelpLine (U.S.) - Call 1 800 950 6264 or text NAMI to 62640 for mental health information, resources, and support. Helpful for individuals and families navigating mental health challenges.
Mental Health America - Visit their online screening (screening.mhanational.org) and resource center for tools, education, and support options for anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. A good starting point for people who are not sure where to turn yet.
Please take care of yourself and your loved ones this season. You are not alone.
