Finding a Way Through Winter Low Mood

Описание: Finding a way through low mood in winter | Dr Helen Garr | The Choice Space

Winter can affect mood, energy and motivation. Shorter days, less light and ongoing pressures at work and home can make everything feel harder to manage – especially when expectations stay high but capacity feels lower.

In this episode of The Choice Space, Dr Lee David is joined by Dr Helen Garr, Medical Director of NHS Practitioner Health, to talk about finding a way through low mood in the winter months. Together, they explore why winter often amplifies stress and emotional strain, particularly for people working in health and care.

The conversation looks at realistic, compassionate ways to support ourselves when mood dips – including permission, balance and checking in early. Helen shares practical insights from her clinical work, alongside simple, evidence-based approaches involving movement, light, connection and supportive relationships. They also discuss when low mood may signal the need for extra support, and how to reach out.

This episode is for anyone struggling with winter low mood, burnout or emotional exhaustion – and for those supporting others through difficult seasons.

Chapters

00:00 Why winter can make low mood harder to manage
02:10 What NHS Practitioner Health does
04:24 Recovery, hope and staying in work
05:23 Psychological safety and workplace culture
08:10 Being your “best self” under pressure
10:57 Why winter amplifies emotional strain
14:40 Permission, balance and expectations
17:35 Checking in with yourself
25:18 Talking openly about hopelessness and suicidal thoughts
28:21 The Choice Pause – creating space for action
32:42 Support networks and “your crew”
43:42 Choice Space takeaway

About the host
Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website (www.thechoicespace.co.uk) and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david) and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david

About the guest
Dr Helen Garr is Medical Director of NHS Practitioner Health, a national confidential service supporting healthcare professionals with mental health and addiction difficulties. She is a GP with a background in psychology and nursing, and a recognised leader in wellbeing, compassionate leadership and workplace mental health.