As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, many people find their energy and routines shifting. For those in recovery, seasonal change can bring unique challenges—whether that’s an increase in depressive symptoms, new triggers, or subtle signs of relapse. Understanding the connection between mental health and substance use is the first step to protecting progress.
Why Seasons Can Impact Recovery
Fall and winter often come with fewer daylight hours, colder weather, and disruptions to routines. These changes can intensify feelings of sadness, isolation, or fatigue. For someone in recovery, those shifts may also increase vulnerability to relapse.
Katie Spencer, a counselor at BrightView, emphasizes that these challenges are normal:
“A lot of people with substance use disorder also experience depression or anxiety. Patients often think, ‘Something must be wrong with me.’ But it’s important to normalize this—many people in recovery go through it.”
Recognizing Signs of Relapse
Relapse isn’t always obvious, and it often begins with small behavioral or emotional changes. According to Katie, clinicians at BrightView watch for cues beyond what a patient says.
“Even if someone isn’t verbalizing, ‘I feel depressed,’ there could be other cues—changes in hygiene, body language, or even the words they’re choosing to use. Those are signs we need to assess further.”
Common Warning Signs to Look For:
- Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance
- Withdrawing from loved ones or routines
- Shifts in mood or irritability
- Expressing hopelessness or fatigue
These early indicators are opportunities to step in with support before relapse occurs.
Why Depression Feels Heavier in the Fall
Watch: Seasons of Recovery: Recognizing Relapse and Coping with Depression
The seasonal drop in sunlight and increase in indoor time can heighten symptoms of depression. For people in recovery, this overlap can make it harder to distinguish what’s related to mental health and what’s tied to substance use.
Katie explains:
“For some folks, once the substance use is away, they realize, ‘I don’t feel depressed anymore.’ For others, the feelings continue—and that helps us know whether it’s substance-induced or a true ongoing condition.”
Understanding this distinction is key to creating an effective treatment plan.
BrightView’s Approach to Dual Needs
At BrightView, treatment addresses the full picture: substance use, mental health, and physical health. Sometimes patients need wraparound services for depression or anxiety in addition to addiction care.
“We can refer patients to community resources or quickly connect them with one of our site providers,” Katie says. “That way they receive the comprehensive care they truly need.”
This combination of medication assisted treatment, counseling, and mental health support provides a strong foundation for stability.
What Healing Looks Like
When both conditions—substance use disorder and mental health—are addressed together, the transformation can be life-changing. Patients often experience:
- Renewed stability in daily life
- Improved coping strategies for stress and triggers
- Fewer cravings and more consistent recovery progress
- Greater confidence and self-worth
“When someone leans into both the medical and counseling sides of treatment, you start to see dramatic changes in their life—from the inside out,” Katie shares.
Practical Tips for This Season
- Pay attention to mood shifts: Irritability, low energy, or isolation can be early warning signs.
- Stay connected: Lean on recovery groups, counseling, or trusted friends.
- Create structure: Regular sleep, meals, and activity help regulate mood.
- Get outside: Sunlight and fresh air make a real difference for mental health.
- Celebrate progress: Remember that seeking help is a victory in itself.
The Takeaway
Seasonal change is inevitable—but relapse doesn’t have to be. By understanding how fall can influence depression and recovery, and by paying attention to early signs, you can take proactive steps to protect your progress. BrightView’s comprehensive approach—blending medical care, counseling, and mental health support—ensures that no one has to face these challenges alone.
Recovery is possible, in every season.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of depression or relapse, don’t wait. BrightView provides immediate, comprehensive treatment and can connect patients with additional mental health support. Learn more at www.brightviewhealth.com.