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A few weeks ago, while lounging on the couch and waiting for my family to get ready for an outing, I suddenly felt a wave of unease wash over me. As we drove to the park to celebrate my nine-year-old’s birthday, an unexpected surge of despair hit me, and my heart began to race.
Everything seemed perfect—a lovely autumn day, a celebration for my cherished child. So why was I feeling this way?
The next day, I stumbled upon an article discussing “autumn anxiety.” Coined by Welsh psychologist Dr. Emma Richards in 2005, the term struck a chord with me. Dr. Richards noted that it’s not uncommon to experience feelings of anxiety and dread as we transition from summer to fall.
In her words, clients often describe an inexplicable anxiety—not typical for them—accompanied by a sense of anticipation, but without a clear reason for it. It felt as if she was articulating my own thoughts.
Dr. Richards observed that those prone to autumn anxiety tend to be sensitive individuals. I can relate—I often experience migraines with changes in weather, and shifts in barometric pressure can affect my mood. However, she also mentioned that even those who are generally more level-headed can feel this way, although they might not recognize it as a seasonal shift.
Autumn anxiety typically manifests as an unexplained feeling of apprehension linked to seasonal changes—the shift from warm to cooler weather and longer nights. Additionally, according to Healthline, it may also stem from life transitions like the start of a new school year and the approach of holiday festivities, combined with reduced outdoor activity and exercise.
For many parents, the beginning of the school year has been particularly anxiety-inducing, especially during a lingering pandemic. Personally, I was overwhelmed, but by the time I recognized my autumn anxiety, much of that initial stress had eased.
For me, the combination of the seasonal change and the onset of the holiday season was overwhelming. My son’s birthday in September is a joyful time, yet nearly everyone in my family celebrates a birthday between September and January. This, along with the long list of upcoming holidays, added to my stress.
I love the holidays, but they can feel like an avalanche of social obligations, which is daunting for an introvert like me. This past week, I noticed a growing dread when waking up in the morning, compounded by waking up to darkness and the earlier sunsets, which definitely didn’t help my mood. Is that seasonal affective disorder creeping in?
While autumn anxiety shares similarities with seasonal affective disorder, Dr. Richards points out that it is distinct, often lasting only a few weeks during the transition from summer to fall. However, for some, it might lead directly into seasonal affective disorder.
Healthline suggests getting more sunlight when autumn anxiety kicks in, and if that isn’t effective, consider light therapy. Increasing vitamin D intake can also be beneficial, but it’s wise to consult your doctor regarding dosage. Engaging in physical activity you enjoy can also significantly improve your mood.
If feelings of anxiety persist and interfere with daily life, reaching out to a doctor or therapist for support is crucial. No one should endure anxiety or depression alone—help is available.
Fortunately, autumn anxiety usually fades within a few weeks as we acclimate to the season. Understanding what I was experiencing and realizing I wasn’t alone made it easier to cope.
I look forward to overcoming this bout of autumn anxiety so I can truly embrace the season. Fall has always been my favorite time of year, and I can’t wait to enjoy the changing leaves, savor pumpkin lattes, and snuggle into my favorite sweater.
While that may sound cliché, those comforts are what I cherish—and I’ll always choose comfort over anxiety.
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Summary:
Autumn anxiety is a common phenomenon experienced by many as the seasons change. It can manifest as feelings of dread and apprehension without a clear source, often linked to life transitions and reduced outdoor activity. Understanding this seasonal anxiety and recognizing its symptoms can help individuals cope better. Engaging in activities that boost mood, such as getting sunlight and exercising, is important, and seeking professional help if anxiety persists is advised.
Keyphrase: Autumn anxiety
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