Seasonal Changes: «Our home is a constant in times of transition.»
Interview with Alice Dumas, psychotherapist and psychoanalyst, specializing in the care of adults, individually and as a couple, as well as in psychotrauma with EMDR.
With each change of season, our rhythms transform. Light, energy, social interactions: all parameters that directly influence our inner balance. While these transitions may seem natural, they can also weaken us, sometimes in unexpected ways. How can we explain these mood swings? And above all, how can we draw on our inner strength to navigate them better?
Do you observe any impact on your patients from seasonal changes?
Yes, very clearly, especially as winter approaches. There are periods when appointment bookings increase noticeably, particularly around November, and then in January and February. Some patients even anticipate this period. They know that the heart of winter will be difficult for them and prefer to come for consultations beforehand, Starting in January.
The winter period doesn't necessarily create new difficulties, but it tends to amplify those that are already present. It's a season where certain fragilities become more visible, harder to contain.
The issue of light plays an important role. I particularly remember a period marked by a particularly rainy summer, followed by a winter with very little sunshine. Many patients expressed a form of exhaustion, with the idea of not having been able to «recharge» during the summer. They approached winter already tired, with the feeling of being at the end of their rope.
Usually, the weather isn't a central topic in therapy sessions. But that year, we talked a lot about the rain and the good weather!
Do you observe the same effects when transitioning from winter to spring?
The transition from winter to spring is a period that can be just as delicate, but for different reasons. Unlike winter, when it is socially acceptable to not be doing well, spring and summer come with a form of implicit pressure to be happy.
The return of the sun, the longer days, everything seems to invite us to feel better. However, the body and mind need time to adjust. This transition can feel abrupt. We go from a more inward, slower pace to a dynamic turned outward, with more demands.
Some people may feel a sense of disconnect. Where the context encourages going out, seeing people, and being active, they may not necessarily feel in sync with that energy. This can lead to discomfort, or even a form of social anxiety.
We should also not forget the more physical aspects, such as allergies, which can accentuate fatigue or irritability. Finally, even if spring is often associated with renewal, it can also put the body and mind to the test.
What role can the arrangement of one's interior and environment play in how one experiences seasonal transitions?
The indoors can play a very important role, especially when you don't feel ready to turn to the outdoors. Bringing spring into your home can be a gentle way to ease the transition without rushing yourself.
Investing in your interior is already a positive sign. It reflects a form of drive, a desire to take care of your environment, and therefore, in a way, of yourself. This can be achieved through simple gestures, decorative adjustments, tableware, textiles, or even by allowing yourself a few "treat" purchases, whether they are carefully considered or more spontaneous.
Spring cleaning, for example, has a strong symbolic dimension. It's about clearing things out, moving past the accumulation typical of winter, and opening up a new, lighter space. We also find this idea in certain traditions, particularly in China around New Year's.
Finally, even on a small scale, some activities can have a real impact. Gardening on a balcony, for example, can provide a sense of regaining control. Seeing something grow and evolve allows one to reconnect with a form of movement and creation.
The interior then becomes a foothold. A space in which one can progress at their own pace, without pressure, gradually embracing the changing of seasons.
