Combating Winter Blues through Connection
As the days grow shorter and winter rolls in with its biting cold and endless grey skies, many of us feel the familiar weight this season brings.
Even after 17 years of sobriety and years of coaching young offenders and people grappling with addiction, I still find winter challenging. The dark, wet evenings and the chill in the air can easily drag down the spirit. Yet, over time, I’ve learned that even in the heart of winter, connection can bring a warmth that outshines the darkness.
Growing up, I remember my parents planted in front of the television on winter nights, each with a beer or glass of wine in hand. It was a routine, night after night.
Back then, it seemed like a harmless way to unwind.
But looking back now, I see how those habits were incredibly destructive. Instead of fostering connection, they were a way of numbing out, of retreating from reality. That pattern of escape, rather than facing life head-on, profoundly affected my mental health.
I’ve come to realise that filling the dark nights with distractions only deepens the feeling of isolation. This experience drove me to make connection—not escape—the core of my life and my work, especially when winter’s grip tightens.
At The CIP Project, we focus on building spaces where people can face the winter blues head-on, with real support and genuine connection. For many men, isolation is a quiet struggle, especially during winter. This is why we established Man Clan, an online support group where men come together, share their highs and lows, and support each other on Zoom calls. It’s a safe space where real conversations happen, breaking down the walls of loneliness that so many carry in silence.
We also run a similar online group for women called Sister Circle. It’s a welcoming space where women can share, connect, and lift each other through the challenges of the season. These circles allow people to feel seen, heard, and supported, especially during times when we might feel most alone.
Beyond our online communities, we hold monthly events at our outdoor retreat centre in Devon. Our signature winter gathering, Winter Warriors, is held every January to help kickstart the new year positively.
It’s a blend of cold water therapy, sweat lodge rituals, and what we call ritual combat—activities that push us to break through mental and physical barriers, connecting us with ourselves and others on a deeper level. In those moments of shared struggle and triumph,…
we remember that even in winter’s grip, we’re never truly alone.
If you or someone you know is finding winter especially tough, I urge you to reach out. Our doors are open, our support is free, and our hearts are with you. Winter blues might feel like a personal struggle, but connection—real, human connection—can be the light that guides us through.
Instead of numbing out in front of a screen, join us in creating a life where we can face winter, & every season, with strength, resilience, & community.
Main – Photo by Сергей Скрынник
About the Author: Sarah Vaughan Griffiths
