As a hypnotherapist, I’ve noticed a clear seasonal rhythm in my practice: when the sun shines and the days stretch longer, things tend to quieten down. But as soon as the skies turn grey or the rain returns, the enquiries pick up again.

This isn’t just anecdotal—it’s something that’s been observed and supported by research into how weather, daylight, and mood interact.

☀️ Sunlight Can Temporarily Boost Mood
Exposure to sunlight has been shown to increase serotonin production in the brain—often called the "feel-good" chemical. Higher serotonin levels are associated with improved mood and feelings of calm and focus (Lambert et al., 2002). This is why many people feel naturally more upbeat during sunny spells, particularly after long, grey winters.

Sunlight also helps regulate circadian rhythms and improves sleep through its role in melatonin production (Cajochen, 2007), which in turn positively impacts emotional stability and resilience.

So, in the summer—especially during warm and sunny days—it’s not unusual for people to feel temporarily better. We’re more active, more social, and more distracted by outdoor life. Problems that felt overwhelming in darker months can seem distant or reduced in the brightness of summer.

🌦 But the Problems Don’t Disappear
Even though mood lifts in the short term, underlying issues like anxiety, procrastination, low self-worth, unresolved grief, or phobias don’t vanish. In psychological terms, the symptoms may remit temporarily, but the core issues remain unprocessed (Benedetti et al., 2005).

When the weather turns cooler or life returns to a quieter rhythm, the emotional noise that was dulled by sunshine often returns. For some people, this contrast can feel sharper because they haven’t yet addressed the causes of their distress—they’ve simply had a break from noticing them.

This is reflected in seasonal fluctuations in mental health service use. Studies have shown that GP visits and mental health admissions often increase during autumn and winter months (Partonen & Lönnqvist, 1998), while fewer people seek psychological support during summer. But the need doesn’t disappear—it’s just postponed.

🌱 Hypnotherapy as a Preventative and Supportive Tool
Hypnotherapy can help you address difficulties at their source, not just when they feel urgent. While many clients seek therapy in response to a “crisis point,” some of the most effective work happens during quieter or more stable periods, when the mind is more open and less overwhelmed.

Working with a therapist when you’re feeling relatively okay can give you tools to stay well, prepare for future stress, and explore deeper thought patterns in a calm, constructive way.

So if you’ve found yourself thinking, “I’ll reach out when things feel worse,” consider flipping that script: the best time to seek support might be when life feels manageable—when you still have the energy and space to reflect and grow.

The sun can lift your spirits, but it doesn’t resolve what lies beneath. The good news is: help is here when you’re ready.

If you would like to book a free consultation to see how I can help you, book yourself in here.

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References:
Lambert, G. W., Reid, C., Kaye, D. M., Jennings, G. L., & Esler, M. D. (2002). Effect of sunlight and season on serotonin turnover in the brain. The Lancet, 360(9348), 1840–1842.

Cajochen, C. (2007). Alerting effects of light. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 11(6), 453–464.

Partonen, T., & Lönnqvist, J. (1998). Seasonal affective disorder. The Lancet, 352(9137), 1369–1374.

Benedetti, F., et al. (2005). Light therapy and psychotherapy in bipolar disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(3), 261–267.

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