“Why do I feel worse when the weather gets better?” We asked our therapists.

Spring is here, and while the world outside is blooming, your inner world might be telling a different story. If you've been feeling anxious, restless, or just... not quite right despite the sunnier weather, you're not alone. This week, our wonderful therapists Jessica Wisnieski, LCSW and Julianne Furniss-Green, LCSW answer one of the most common questions we hear this time of year.

“It's spring and I feel like I'm supposed to be all sunshine and roses, but instead I feel this raging anxiety and turbulent energy! What gives?"

From Julianne Furniss-Green, LCSW: The change in seasons is an intense transition. Transitions can feel overwhelming and uncertain, which is where anxiety often loves to live and grow. While spring brings the promise of renewal and newness, not everything needs to change or be upended all at once. Can you take note of the parts of your life that feel steady? What are your constants? What are your non-negotiables? Start by noticing what is working for you, before thinking about what isn't or what may need to shift.

Give yourself permission to move at your own pace. The turbulent energy you're describing can feel all encompassing and almost contagious. Again, ask yourself does the pace I'm moving at feel right for ME? Can I witness others chaos instead of joining in? We don't have to fully surrender to this turbulent energy, but can you harness a little bit of it to pull you from your winter hibernation and motivate you, rather than completely overwhelm you?

Years ago during one of my grief support groups, a participant said, "I'm tired of the sun always judging me. Every morning she wakes up shining and somedays, I don't want to shine with her." All of these years later, I still think of her every spring. Here's your gentle reminder that our mood doesn't need to match the weather. The sun isn't judging you, she's just here to help.

All of these years later, I still think of her every spring. Here's your gentle reminder that our mood doesn't need to match the weather. The sun isn't judging you, she's just here to help.

From Jessica Wisnieski, LCSW: As spring is in bloom and society tells us that we should take advantage of the "nice weather", often times people find themselves wondering why they aren't experiencing the feeling of renewal that is promised. It's important to remember that shaking off the winter and the emotional/mental impact it may have had on you can take time. This is not an overnight process that happens when our thermometers reach a certain temperature.

Making small, achievable changes to your routine can help with this transition. Some ideas for this are: spending 10 minutes outside each day, creating a sustainable nighttime routine, journaling, decreasing screen time, setting a hydration goal, and making plans to look forward to without overbooking yourself. Making incremental, achievable changes will help you to feel progress and will help you to start to feel the positive impacts that are typically associated with the changing season.

Spring is a beautiful time to explore deeper, and our team is here to help you navigate the season at your own pace. Whether you're shaking off a heavy winter or just feeling that restless, ungrounded energy, we're here for you.