The days are getting longer. Flowers are blooming. Everyone around you seems to be smiling a little more, posting their cherry blossom selfies, planning rooftop brunches, and saying things like, “Isn’t it beautiful out?”

And yet—you feel… off.

You’re more tired than usual. Your anxiety feels louder. Your motivation is in hiding. And even with the sun out, you can’t seem to shake that low-key heaviness.

If this sounds like you, take a breath. You’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone. You may be experiencing something very real: spring blues.

Despite what we’re told about sunshine being the ultimate cure-all for mood, the seasonal shift into spring can actually bring up a lot—especially for folks already managing anxiety, depression, or past trauma.

Let’s dig into what the spring blues really are, why they happen, and how you can care for yourself through the seasonal shift.

What Are the Spring Blues?

Spring blues refers to a dip in mood, energy, or emotional stability that some people experience during the transition from winter into spring.

While Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is commonly associated with darker winter months, research and lived experience both show that the arrival of spring can bring on its own emotional challenges.

The spring blues can look like:

• Feeling anxious, restless, or emotionally raw
  
• Trouble sleeping despite longer days
  
• Low motivation or trouble focusing
  
• Irritability or mood swings
  
• A sense of pressure to “feel better” because the weather is nice
  
• Feeling emotionally out of sync with others
  

The shift into spring is, in theory, a time of renewal and energy. 

But for many, that sudden burst of change, especially if it feels out of step with how you’re doing internally, can be jarring.

The spring blues don’t mean something is wrong with you. They just mean your body and mind are responding to real changes in the world around you. And it’s okay if that takes time to adjust to.

Why Do I Feel Weird in the Spring?

If you’re wondering, “Why do I feel weird in the spring?”—you’re not imagining things.

A few common reasons people experience the spring blues include:

1. Biological Shifts

As daylight increases, our circadian rhythms (aka our internal body clocks) are affected. This change can throw off sleep patterns, hormone levels (like melatonin and cortisol), and even mood regulation. 

Your body might need time to recalibrate, especially if winter brought long periods of low light.

2. Pressure to Be Happy

There’s often an unspoken expectation to “perk up” as soon as the sun comes out. You might feel guilt or confusion if you’re still struggling emotionally. This internal conflict—“I should be happy, so why am I not?”—can deepen feelings of isolation.

3. Re-entry After Emotional Hibernation

Winter can be a time of emotional quiet. Less socializing. More staying in. More retreating inward. Spring reintroduces a faster pace: social invites, events, “summer body” culture. It can feel overwhelming to go from emotional hibernation to high stimulation without time to ease in.

4. Anniversaries and Triggers

Spring can carry anniversaries of grief, trauma, or transitions—things that aren’t always obvious to others but sit heavily in your body. 

The spring blues can be your nervous system’s way of saying, “There’s still something here that needs tending to.”

So if you’re feeling weird in the spring, know this: your reaction is valid. And giving yourself permission to move slowly—even when the world is speeding up—can be deeply healing.

Why Is Anxiety Worse in Spring?

Here’s a truth that surprises a lot of people: spring blues and anxiety often go hand-in-hand.

Why?

Because spring brings change. And change—even good change—can trigger anxiety.

The jump in daylight, the rise in temperatures, the sudden reemergence of social expectations—all of it can feel like a system overload, especially if your nervous system was just starting to feel settled in winter’s slower rhythm.

Here are a few specific reasons anxiety may spike in spring:

• Overstimulation – Bright light, noise, and crowds can activate the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight).
  
• Body image pressure – Warmer weather can bring up self-consciousness about appearance, particularly in a culture obsessed with “beach bodies.”
  
• Reactivation of social anxiety – With more events and invitations, your social calendar may feel less like fun and more like a minefield.
  
• Expectation anxiety – Spring can symbolize a “fresh start,” which can create pressure to change or perform, especially if you’re already feeling behind.
  

If you’re asking, “Why is my anxiety worse in spring?”, take a moment to reflect: What’s changing around you—and how is your body responding?

Sometimes, just naming what’s happening gives you back a bit of power. And from there, you can make choices that support your nervous system rather than push against it.

What Is Spring Syndrome?

You might hear the term spring syndrome tossed around casually, but it has some roots in real observation.

“Spring syndrome” is an informal term used to describe a set of symptoms people may experience at the start of spring, including:

• Fatigue or low energy
  
• Headaches or irritability
  
• Trouble sleeping
  
• A dip in mood or heightened anxiety
  
• Feeling emotionally “off” or disconnected
  

While it’s not a formal diagnosis, it’s another way of saying: the spring blues are real, and many people feel physically and emotionally impacted by the seasonal change.

Some studies suggest that the body needs time to adjust to longer daylight hours, temperature swings, and environmental allergens—all of which can affect mood and energy levels. 

For folks with preexisting mental health conditions, this adjustment period can be even more intense.

The takeaway? Spring syndrome is a reminder that our mental health is seasonal, cyclical, and deeply human, not something we can always control with logic or willpower.

It’s Okay If You’re Not Blooming Yet

In a culture that glorifies hustle, sunshine, and the endless pursuit of “good vibes,” the spring blues can feel like a betrayal. 

But they’re not. They’re just another rhythm in your internal landscape.

There’s no prize for pretending you feel better than you do. And there’s no shame in needing support, even when the world seems light and bright.

So if you’re feeling off this spring, be gentle with yourself. Let yourself slow down. Let yourself feel what’s true. Take breaks from social comparison. Take walks without pressure. Say no when you need to.

And if the spring blues start to feel heavy, persistent, or isolating—therapy can help. You don’t have to navigate seasonal shifts, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm on your own.

At Manhattan Psychotherapy Co., we’re here to support your mental health all year round, not just when things feel dark. 

Whether you’re working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or just trying to understand your emotions better, our team offers a safe space to explore it all.

This spring, give yourself the gift of gentleness. Of slowing down. Of choosing presence over performance. And if you need support—real, human, grounded support—we’re right here when you’re ready.

Because healing isn’t seasonal. It’s ongoing. And you’re allowed to bloom at your own pace.

Reach out today to start your journey toward peace.