Mood and Conflict Management: How Seasonal Depression Affects Family Conflict

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In the season of fall, most things are dropping. Leaves are dropping, the temperature is dropping, the hours of daylight are dropping, and for many thousands of people, so are their serotonin levels within their brain chemistry. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects millions of people in the northern hemisphere. General mood levels fall into more depressive areas, and where there is increased depressiveness, there are usually challenges — particularly when it comes to conflict management at home.

How Seasonal Mood Changes Affect Conflict Resolution

Within most families, conflict management is a challenge. Within families where one or more are experiencing reduced mood levels, conflict resolution also usually falls. When something falls, usually something also rises. It is the push and pull of nature and even our health. In systemic responses, when our mood lowers, we unconsciously look for something to stimulate and fortify us. For some, it will increase addictive behaviour. Food, alcohol, sex and intimacy, work, gambling, and even coffee may all increase through this season. However, unresolved conflicts will also increase.

Signs That Low Mood Is Affecting Conflict in Your Home

Good conflict resolution requires the management of emotions. When serotonin levels decrease, emotions are more intense. Thinking and concentration are impaired. When emotions are flooding, usually there is significant damage.

If you notice that small disagreements escalate quickly, that family members withdraw or shut down, or that conversations that used to be manageable now feel overwhelming, low mood may be playing a role. In Ontario, the shorter daylight hours through late fall and winter can be a significant trigger for those already vulnerable to depression or stress-related mood changes.

Practical Strategies for Conflict Management When Mood Is Low

Some good suggestions for proactive conflict management are to take the temperature of one’s mood before jumping into the water of conflict. Ask your partner or teen if this is a good time to talk. This simple question can go a long way to helping increase the success of conflict resolution, and in turn raise the mood of individuals and increase the sunshine of attitude within the home.

If you or a family member are experiencing persistent low mood that is affecting relationships, speaking with a regulated health professional — such as a Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Registered Social Worker (RSW), or Clinical Psychologist (C.Psych) — can help. At Bayridge Counselling Centres, our clinicians support individuals and families across Ontario in managing mood-related challenges and building healthier conflict resolution skills.

Clinically reviewed by Steve Wilding, RP