A few weeks ago, while I was lounging on the couch waiting for my family to get ready for an outing, I was suddenly overcome by a sense of heaviness and dread. Later, during our drive to the park for my nine-year-old’s birthday celebration, a wave of despair hit me, and my heart began to race. Everything seemed fine—after all, it was a lovely fall day, and we were there to celebrate my precious child, born on the equinox. So why was I feeling this way?
The next morning, I stumbled upon an article discussing “autumn anxiety,” a term introduced by Welsh psychologist Gillian Scully back in 2005. This concept really resonated with me. According to Scully, it’s quite common for individuals to experience feelings of anxiety and dread as summer transitions into autumn.
In her interview with Wales Online, Scully mentioned that many of her clients, who typically don’t struggle with anxiety, describe feeling a vague sense of unease. They sense an anticipation without knowing what they should be anticipating. Wow. That perfectly encapsulates what I felt—an overwhelming sense of existential dread for no apparent reason.
Scully explains that people who are more sensitive to their surroundings often experience this form of anxiety. As someone who is highly sensitive myself, I can relate. I’m prone to migraines when a storm is brewing, and shifts in barometric pressure can impact my mood. However, Scully notes that even those who are generally more rational can experience this.
Autumn anxiety primarily manifests as an unidentifiable anxiety and anticipation, linked to the seasonal transition—from warm days to cooler ones and from longer daylight to shorter days. Healthline indicates that this feeling often coincides with significant life changes, such as the start of a new school year and the upcoming holiday season, all while we spend less time outdoors and exercising.
For many parents, the beginning of this school year brought heightened anxiety, especially with the ongoing pandemic. I experienced intense worry sending my kids off to school, but I was past that phase by the time my autumn anxiety gripped me. I believe it stemmed from both the change in seasons and the approach of the holiday season. My son’s September birthday is a joyous occasion, but with so many birthdays in my family from September to January, coupled with the busy holiday schedule, the stress was palpable.
Although I enjoy holidays, they can feel overwhelming, especially for an introvert like me. This past week, I noticed an increase in dread as I faced mornings filled with darkness. The earlier sunsets felt disheartening. Could it be seasonal affective disorder?
While autumn anxiety shares similarities with seasonal affective disorder, Scully clarifies that they are distinct, with autumn anxiety typically being more short-lived, encompassing just the transition from late summer to early fall. However, it can evolve into seasonal affective disorder for some, making it crucial to address.
Healthline suggests getting more sunlight, considering light therapy, and possibly increasing Vitamin D intake during this time. Regular physical activity can also greatly help. If autumn anxiety continues to disrupt daily life, seeking help from a doctor or therapist is vital, as no one should endure anxiety or depression in silence.
Fortunately, for most, autumn anxiety dissipates within a few weeks, making way for full enjoyment of the season. For me, just knowing I wasn’t alone in feeling this way offered comfort. I look forward to overcoming this phase, embracing the beauty of fall—watching leaves change color, sipping pumpkin lattes, and wrapping myself in cozy sweaters. Yes, it’s a bit cliché, but these rituals provide me solace over anxiety any day.
For more helpful insights, check out this other blog post, or explore resources like Women’s Health for information about pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re considering starting a family, you can also find reliable products at Make a Mom.
Summary
Autumn anxiety is a common experience characterized by feelings of dread and anticipation during the seasonal shift from summer to fall. This phenomenon can affect anyone, regardless of their usual anxiety levels. Factors contributing to this anxiety include environmental changes, life transitions like school starting, and the busy upcoming holiday season. Understanding and addressing these feelings is crucial, and seeking support is always a valid option.
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