I Feel Tired, Unmotivated, and Not Myself: Is It Seasonal Depression?

When the colder months arrive, many people notice something shifting inside them. The days feel shorter. Motivation begins to slip. The emotional heaviness settles in without warning.

If you’ve been feeling more tired, withdrawn, or unlike yourself, you’re not alone. December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month, a time that brings attention to something many people quietly face: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

SAD is a real, medically recognized form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. It often appears in late fall or early winter, then eases as spring returns. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, this condition can affect mood, energy, sleep, appetite, and daily functioning.

Understanding what SAD is can give meaning to what you're feeling, and remind you that your experience is not a sign of weak faith. It’s a sign your mind and body are responding to the season.

Below are some signs that what you’re experiencing may be more than a difficult week.

1. Persistent Fatigue That Doesn’t Match Your Lifestyle

One of the clearest signs of seasonal depression is exhaustion that feels out of place. You may be sleeping through the night yet waking up tired. Simple tasks drain you. Your body feels heavy, and your energy fades quickly.

This isn’t laziness. It isn’t “burnout from doing too much.” It’s your body reacting to reduced sunlight and disrupted circadian rhythms.

You might notice you’re slowing down, needing more rest, or struggling to keep up with tasks that normally feel manageable. When fatigue becomes persistent and doesn’t improve with rest, it may be pointing to something deeper than stress.

2. Loss of Interest in Activities You Once Enjoyed

Another sign of SAD is a noticeable drop in interest. Things that once brought you joy now feel like obligations. Hobbies, social events, or spiritual activities that used to fill your cup may now feel draining.

This shift can be confusing, especially if you’re usually active or social. You may cancel plans or withdraw because you simply don’t have the emotional energy to show up. This doesn’t mean you no longer care. It means your emotional bandwidth is lower during this season. When your brain struggles to produce motivation or excitement, everyday life may feel heavier than before.

3. Increased Sadness, Irritability, or Emotional Numbness

SAD doesn’t always look like deep sadness. For some, it shows up as irritability. For others, it shows up as emotional flatness or a persistent heaviness.

You may feel more sensitive than usual, or quick to tears. You may feel on edge without understanding why. Or you might feel disconnected from your emotions altogether.

This shift doesn’t mean your faith is slipping. It’s a biological response to decreased sunlight and lower serotonin levels. And in this space, God meets you with gentleness, not judgment. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18).

4. Changes in Appetite or Cravings for Carbohydrates

Many people with seasonal depression notice changes in appetite. You may crave foods high in sugar or carbohydrates. You may snack more. You may eat later at night. Or you may avoid meals altogether.

Your body is trying to self-soothe and find a quick source of energy. This is not a sign of poor discipline. It’s your system searching for balance and comfort.

For some, these changes affect weight or mood, leading to frustration. Understanding this connection can help you show yourself compassion instead of criticism.

5. Withdrawing From People or Wanting to “Hibernate”

Social withdrawal is one of the most overlooked signs of seasonal depression. You may decline invitations, isolate more often, or pull away from friends and family.

Even small interactions may feel overwhelming.

Wanting space can be normal, but long-term withdrawal is a signal that you may be struggling. Isolation tends to deepen sadness, making the season feel even heavier.

Sometimes the most healing thing you can do is allow yourself small, gentle moments of connection. A short call. A few minutes in prayer with someone you trust. A conversation with someone who understands.

When to Seek More Help and What That Looks Like

If several of these signs have lasted more than a few weeks, or if daily life feels harder than usual, it might be time to seek support. You don’t have to wait until things become unmanageable. And you don’t need to navigate this alone.

Support can come in different forms. Here are compassionate ways to get help:

• Talking with a Christian counselor who understands both emotional health and faith.

• Meeting with your doctor or a mental-health provider to rule out other health concerns and explore treatment options.

• Opening up to trusted friends or family members so you’re not carrying the weight quietly.

• Joining a support group or prayer community where you can share without shame.

• Making small lifestyle adjustments like light exposure, gentle movement, or routine changes.

Each step is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Reaching out honors the way God created us to heal through connection, guidance, and care.

Final Thoughts

Seasonal depression can make life feel unfamiliar, heavy, and slow. But it does not define who you are, and it does not diminish God’s presence in your life. Understanding what you’re facing is the first step toward healing. Allowing yourself to receive the right support is the next.

If this season feels heavy, you don’t have to walk through it alone. We have professional Christian counselors who are ready to support you with compassion and care. Connect with a counselor today at https://www.faithonthejourney.org/counseling.