7 Signs Winter Might Be Amplifying Your Anxiety

 Is Winter Making Your Anxiety Worse? Here’s What to Know.
Why your body might be asking for rest, rhythm, and real support this season.

As the days get darker and colder, you might find yourself feeling more tired, tense, or emotionally flat. You’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone. For many women, winter brings a subtle but real rise in anxiety and emotional heaviness. But why?

This post explores 7 key ways evidence tells us that winter may quietly amplify anxiety—and what your body might really need

 🌿 1. You Feel More On Edge—Without Knowing Why

Increased anxiety and panic symptoms are common in winter months.

Winter seasonality is linked with heightened anxiety symptoms, especially in those already prone to panic or worry.

Reference: Armstrong, S., Greenwood, K., & Marriott, P. (1994). Seasonality in panic disorder.. Journal of affective disorders, 31 2, 75-80 . Https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-0327(94)90110-4.

🌙 2. You're Sleeping More—But Feeling Less Rested

Hypersomnia ( sleeping too much) and fatigue are hallmark symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Many experience increased sleep duration but decreased quality of rest in winter.

Reference: Dilsaver, S., & Coffman, J. (1988). Seasonal depression.. American family physician, 38 4, 173-6 .

🍞 3: You’re Craving Carbs and Gaining Weight

Carb cravings and weight gain can be the body’s way of self-soothing.

SAD is often associated with hyperphagia and carbohydrate cravings as a biological coping mechanism.

Reference: Bruce, T., & Saeed, S. (1998). Seasonal affective disorders.. American family physician, 57 6, 1340-6, 1351-2.

😩 4: Social Stuff Feels Like... Too Much

Withdrawal and overwhelm can increase in winter months.

Women report reduced socialisation and heightened sensory sensitivity during winter depression.

Reference: Ajdacic, V., Rössler, W., Angst, J., Wirz-Justice, A., & Steinhausen, H. (2018). Prevalence of seasonal depression in a prospective cohort study. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 1-7. 

💭 5: You’re Feeling Emotionally Blunted or Numb

Emotional flatness or numbness is more common during low-light months.

Seasonal changes can affect serotonin levels and emotional processing, especially in women.

Reference: Sharma, P., Singh, A., Gupta, A., Mondal, S., & Garg, V. (2013). Role of serotonin in seasonal affective disorder. European review for medical and pharmacological sciences, 17 1, 49-55 .

🌫️ 6: It’s Harder to Think Clearly or Stay Motivated

Cognitive fog and reduced motivation increase in winter.

Light exposure plays a role in brain function, and shorter days can impair clarity and mood.

Reference: Bromet, E., Schwartz, J., & Schlager, D. (1993). Seasonal Variations of Current Symptoms in a Healthy Population. British Journal of Psychiatry, 163, 322 - 326.

💡 7: You're Not Alone—And It’s Not “Just in Your Head”

These symptoms are real, seasonal, and supported by evidence.

There is growing recognition of seasonal anxiety patterns in women, with science-backed strategies offering real support.

Reference: Pallesen, S., Bjelland, I., Holsten, F., Oyane, N., & Bjorvatn, B. (2008). Seasonality is associated with anxiety and depression: the Hordaland health study.. Journal of affective disorders, 105 1-3, 147-55.