Summer Hues for Winter Blues
Emily Colasante, PMHNP, Livingston HealthCare
Preparation is one of the greatest acts of self-care. We prepare our homes for winter long before the first snowfall. We stack firewood, put snow tires on our vehicles, and pull our winter coats out of storage because we know what's coming. Yet we rarely extend that same preparation to our mental health.
And that's why I'm asking you to think about winter in August.
Just as we winterize our homes before the seasons change, we can prepare our minds as well.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner practicing here in Montana, I've learned that mental health isn't simply something we respond to when we're struggling, it's something we can proactively care for. Summer isn't just something to enjoy; it's something to build from. The choices we make during our strongest seasons often shape how we navigate our most challenging ones.
Not everyone experiences winter the same way. Some notice subtle changes in mood or motivation, while others experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression linked to seasonal changes. Most of us fall somewhere in between, and everyone can benefit from strengthening their mental well-being before winter arrives.
Start by building healthy routines while they come naturally. Stay active, spend time outdoors, prioritize sleep, nurture relationships, and make time for activities that bring you joy. Habits are far easier to maintain than they are to create in the middle of January.
Before summer slips away, I'd encourage you to capture one perfect moment. Maybe it's the warmth of the sun on your face during an evening walk, the smell of pine after a hike, or sitting around a campfire with family. Pause and soak it in. Tuck that memory away. When winter arrives, revisit it; not to wish you were somewhere else, but to let it serve as a beacon of light through the darker months. A reminder that brighter days always return.
It's also okay to grieve the end of summer. There is something special about long evenings, lake days, and the energy that comes with sunshine. But unlike many things we grieve in life, summer isn't gone forever. It's part of a cycle. The days will grow longer again, the warmth will return and remembering that simple truth can transform dread into hope.
Another way to bridge the seasons is by investing in a hobby that connects one summer to the next. Maybe you've always wanted to learn photography, train for a hiking adventure, start gardening next spring, or explore birdwatching. Winter doesn't have to be time lost, it can become a season of preparation for the experiences you're looking forward to.
As the weather cools, many of us naturally spend more time indoors and in front of screens. Technology, including artificial intelligence, can be a valuable tool for learning. However, it should never replace meaningful human connection or professional medical care. If you find yourself struggling this winter, don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted healthcare provider. Sometimes the most important connection isn't through a screen; it's with another person.
None of these strategies will eliminate every difficult day, but together they can help build resilience before the season arrives. Winter is inevitable. Feeling unprepared doesn't have to be.
Preparation is one of the greatest acts of self-care. This summer, invest in your mental health the same way you prepare your home for the colder months ahead. A few intentional habits, a hopeful perspective, and the willingness to seek support when needed can make a meaningful difference.
After all, winter always comes, but so does spring.