Humans are Complicated Houseplants?

Michelle Sheffer, LMSW BHC

 

The popular saying “humans are complicated houseplants” is often meant as a joke, but it captures a surprising amount of truth—especially when viewed through the lens of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Like houseplants, humans depend on light, routine care, and a stable environment to thrive. When one of those elements is missing, our well-being can suffer.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that typically occurs during fall and winter, when daylight hours are shortened. Reduced exposure to sunlight can disrupt circadian rhythms, lower serotonin levels, and affect melatonin production, leading to fatigue, low mood, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep or appetite. In other words, when humans don’t get enough “light,” we begin to wilt—much like a plant placed too far from a window.

The houseplant comparison works because it reframes SAD in a compassionate, non-judgmental way. Plants don’t fail because they need sunlight; they simply have biological requirements. Similarly, people experiencing SAD are not weak or unmotivated—they are responding to environmental changes their bodies are sensitive to. This metaphor helps reduce stigma by emphasizing care rather than blame.

At the same time, humans are indeed more complicated than plants. Emotional health is influenced not only by light, but also by stress, social connection, physical activity, nutrition, and personal history. While a plant might recover with water and sunlight alone, people often need a combination of light therapy, routine, movement, therapy, and social support to feel better.

Ultimately, the saying resonates because it highlights a shared truth: humans are living systems deeply affected by their surroundings. Recognizing ourselves as “complicated houseplants” encourages gentler self-care, seasonal awareness, and a reminder that sometimes feeling low isn’t a personal failure—it’s a signal that something essential is missing.