You’re Not Lazy, Sis — You Might Be Dealing With Seasonal Depression
What Seasonal Depression Really Is
If you’ve been feeling unmotivated, drained, or just “off” during the colder months, I need you to hear this: you’re not lazy, sis. What you may actually be experiencing is seasonal depression, also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a type of depression that usually happens in the fall and winter months when daylight hours get shorter. Less sunlight can affect your serotonin (the feel-good chemical in your brain) and melatonin (the hormone that regulates sleep). The result? Low energy, mood changes, and difficulty getting through daily life.
And here’s the truth—seasonal depression in Black women is often overlooked or minimized. Many of us are told to “push through” or “just try harder,” but this isn’t about effort. It’s about biology, environment, and how our bodies respond to the season.
Signs of Seasonal Depression
Wondering if what you’re feeling is more than just a “fall funk”? Here are common seasonal depression symptoms:
Feeling down, sad, or heavy most days
Struggling to get out of bed or oversleeping regularly
Constant fatigue, even with 8+ hours of sleep
Intense cravings for carbs and sweets
Difficulty focusing or finishing tasks
Withdrawing from friends or social activities
Feeling hopeless, guilty, or “off balance”
If you recognize these signs, sis, know this: you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not lazy. You might be experiencing seasonal affective disorder, and naming it is the first step to healing.
Why Naming Seasonal Depression Matters
When you understand that what you’re experiencing is seasonal depression, you can stop beating yourself up and start giving yourself the care you need.
Instead of labeling yourself as unmotivated, you can see that your energy is shifting with the season.
Instead of pushing through guilt, you can create soft, supportive routines that meet you where you are.
Instead of isolating, you can lean into connection and healing spaces.
This shift in perspective is powerful. It moves you from blame to compassion, from stuck to supported.
The Role of Community in Coping With Seasonal Depression
One of the most overlooked (but powerful) tools for coping with seasonal depression is community support. Seasonal depression thrives in isolation—but connection helps you fight back.
When you have things to look forward to (like monthly events, group check-ins, or being able to tap into a platform full of women who get it), you interrupt the cycle of withdrawal. Being part of a sisterhood means:
You’re reminded you’re not alone
You have accountability and joy built into your schedule
You can share what you’re feeling with people who understand
That’s exactly why we created our community. Inside, you’ll always have a reason to show up—whether it’s for our monthly in-person events or daily connection through our members-only virtual space.
Final Word: You’re Not Lazy, Sis
Seasonal depression is real. It doesn’t make you weak or lazy—it just means your body and mind are responding to seasonal shifts.
By naming it, understanding the symptoms, and leaning into supportive routines and community, you can find softness, light, and connection even in the darkest months.
