Weathering the Winter Storms: Outside and Within
Winter storms have a way of forcing us to slow down. Roads close. Plans get canceled. Everything feels harder than it should be. And honestly, many emotional seasons feel exactly like that.
As a therapist, and as a human living through winter like everyone else, I see how this time of year can bring up anxiety, low mood, irritability, and a deep sense of exhaustion. For folks navigating pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, chronic illness, or big life transitions, winter can feel especially heavy. Sometimes it is not just cold outside. It feels cold everywhere.
Watching a winter storm roll in recently reminded me how often clients tell me they feel stuck or behind. Like everyone else is moving forward while they are just trying to keep their footing. If that sounds familiar, you are not broken. You are responding to hard conditions.
Winter storms ask us to do things differently. We rest more. We cancel plans. We ask for help. We lower expectations. And while our brains may not love that, our nervous systems often desperately need it.
This is especially true for those dealing with postpartum anxiety or depression, pregnancy-related stress, grief, relationship strain, or chronic stress. Your body and mind may be waving a tiny white flag asking for a pause. Listening to that does not mean you are failing. It means you are human.
And yes, I know. Being told to rest when you are overwhelmed can feel laughable. Sometimes rest looks like boundaries, saying no, or finally talking to someone who will not tell you to just think positive. Sometimes rest looks like therapy.
Winter storms pass, even when they overstay their welcome. Beneath the snow, growth is still happening, quietly and imperfectly. Emotional healing works the same way. Even when you feel stuck, something inside you is still moving toward relief.
If you are in Tennessee and feeling overwhelmed by postpartum changes, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or simply carrying too much for too long, virtual therapy can help. You do not have to navigate this season alone, and you do not have to have the perfect words to start.
This winter, my hope is that you give yourself permission to slow down, laugh when you can, swear if needed, and ask for support. Storms are hard, but they are not permanent. And you deserve warmth, care, and a place to land while you wait for the weather to shift.
Ready for Support?
If this post resonates, it may be a sign that you are ready for support, or at least curious about what support could look like. I offer virtual therapy across Tennessee for adults, teens, and couples, with a special focus on perinatal and postpartum mental health, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.
Reaching out does not mean you are in crisis. It just means you are tired of carrying everything by yourself. You are welcome to contact me to schedule a session or ask questions and see if we are a good fit.
Tennessee Crisis and Winter Weather Resources
If you or someone you love needs immediate support, help is available.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.Disaster Distress Helpline
Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for emotional support related to natural disasters, severe weather, or crisis situations.Emergency Services
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
During severe winter weather, local emergency shelters and warming centers may be available in your area. Check your local city or county emergency management website for up to date information.
If you are safe but struggling emotionally, reaching out for mental health support can make a real difference. You deserve care, warmth, and support during every season, even the hard ones.
