3 therapists explain why a drop in temperature leads to an increase in loneliness

Cuffing season is upon us, and with it comes seasonal depression.

According to licensed psychotherapist Janet Doveaddressing “loneliness” may be difficult since it isn’t one-dimensional. He believes that seasonal changes affect mood, causing, for instance, seasonal depression (SAD), which can even affect feelings of loneliness. “People living in areas exposed to drastic temperature changes may feel lonely. For example, during the summer, residents of Nevada and Arizona experience days of over 113° for over 100 days and unusual humidity,” Dove states.

He believes extreme weather conditions are causing people to retreat and stay indoors. People living alone at home can experience enormous feelings of loneliness, taking us back to the pandemic once we had to isolate and shelter in place. Conversely, colder weather often forces people indoors, limiting social interactions. Additionally, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can affect your mood, leading to feelings of isolation.

ESSENCE: Do you think that the change in temperature contributes to an increase in loneliness?

Żaneta Dove: Without a doubt, temperature drops can contribute to increased loneliness. From a clinical standpoint, I can consider a few things which may explain this. As the colder months of fall and winter approach, the times turn out to be shorter, leading to less natural sunlight. This reduction is important because sunlight is crucial for mental and emotional health. Sunlight provides us with vitamin D and plays a key role in regulating the production of serotonin and dopamine, two key neurotransmitters.

These neurotransmitters are essential for improving mood and reducing levels of depression and anxiety. Not getting enough sunlight can reduce the quantity of those “happy chemicals,” making people more susceptible to sadness and loneliness. In fall and winter, this problem often takes the shape of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Symptoms of SAD include, but should not limited to, lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities, social withdrawal or isolation, increased sensitivity to rejection, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and increased irritability.

In addition to biochemical changes, lower temperatures often discourage people from spending time outdoors. Less time outdoors may mean more time indoors in isolation. Social isolation is a breeding ground for loneliness, and a sudden decline in social engagement can leave you feeling disconnected and depressed.

Finally, two of our biggest holidays fall in the colder months. While Thanksgiving and Christmas can bring holiday cheer for some, lots of my clients find these celebrations emotionally charged and exhausting, often exacerbating feelings of loneliness and inadequacy. Complicated dynamics between members of the family, unmet expectations and unresolved conflicts can aggravate seasonal symptoms at the moment of 12 months. As a result, some may retreat from isolation in an attempt to avoid the extra stress, anxiety and depression that will include this season.

This time of 12 months is infamously referred to as “cuffing season” – the increase in people in search of company throughout the colder months. And while finding the proper cuff partner can aid you avoid seasonal blues, it isn’t the one solution. Here are some additional approaches to consider from Dove, Ashley McGirt and Meagan Watson:

1. Connect with others: Contact friends or family via phone calls, texts or video chats. Plan to catch up commonly.
2. Join groups or clubs: Get involved in local people events, clubs or online groups that share your interests.
3. Volunteer: Helping others can create a sense of connection and purpose.
4. Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote well-being, reminiscent of exercise, hobbies, or mindfulness.
5. Seek skilled help: Consider talking to a therapist or counselor if the loneliness is overwhelming.
6. Be lively: Regular physical activity can improve your mood and energy, making social interactions easier.
7. Discover latest interests: Learning something latest can connect you with like-minded people.
8. Prioritize connection and seek spaces of belonging. Ask yourself: give attention to scheduling time with people, planning activities, and finding communities that nurture connection and belonging throughout the colder months. When we search out people, places, and spaces where connection and belonging exist, it becomes easier to prioritize and remember (especially in moments of loneliness) the environments that already nourish and support us.
9. Remind yourself that loneliness is a natural a part of the human experience: We are designed to feel and process loss and loneliness. To experience the total spectrum of feelings, we want to create space for whatever we’re fascinated by without the pressure to immediately change or eliminate it. As the months get colder and the vacation season approaches, it is simple to compare all of the stuff you do not have in your life to the stuff you do have. Building a gratitude practice focused on self-compassion that helps you see loneliness as the typical person’s experience may be a grounding practice. You do not have to transform your loneliness into gratitude or suppress it in favor of self-compassion. Instead, allow solitude to exist alongside what you’re grateful for and practices that supply you a compassionate space in which to feel what you’re feeling.
10. Engage in group activities that distract and contribute: Volunteering, hobbies, group exercise, group therapy, etc. are great examples of activities that temporarily distract you from the sensations and feelings related to loneliness. Some activities, reminiscent of community volunteering and group therapy, allow you to hold space for other people’s feelings, make a helpful contribution to others’ lives, and feel supported while you support others. It is crucial to be mindful of how long and the way often you’re distracted from solitude. Watching a comfort show or FaceTiming together with your best friend overseas may ease your feelings in the moment, however it probably won’t do away with them completely. Commit to returning to feelings of loneliness after they arise, and in doing so, observe them with intentional care and self-compassion. If you discover this difficult, contact a skilled who can aid you take care of the complex emotions you might be experiencing.