As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, many individuals find themselves grappling with a sense of unease. Just a couple of weeks ago, while lounging on the couch, I was hit by an overwhelming heaviness—a sense of dread that seemed to envelop me. Later, as we drove to the park to celebrate my son’s ninth birthday, I experienced a sudden wave of despair that quickened my heartbeat. It was a perfect fall day, yet the anxiety was palpable.
The following morning, I stumbled upon an article discussing “autumn anxiety,” a term introduced by Welsh psychologist Gillian Scully in 2005. Her insights were enlightening, shedding light on the commonality of feelings of anxiety and dread as summer transitions to autumn. Scully mentioned that even those who typically don’t struggle with anxiety can feel this way during the seasonal shift, often without understanding the root cause.
Her clients described a peculiar sensation of anticipation, yet they couldn’t pinpoint what they were expecting. This resonated deeply with me—a feeling of existential dread for no apparent reason. It turns out, there are several factors that contribute to this phenomenon. Scully noted that those who experience autumn anxiety are often sensitive to their environment. As someone who identifies as highly sensitive, I certainly relate; changes in weather can impact my mood and even trigger migraines.
However, Scully emphasizes that even more grounded individuals may find themselves feeling this anxiety, attributing it to the seasonal transition from warm, sun-filled days to cooler, shorter ones. According to Healthline, this anxiety can also stem from various life transitions, such as the start of a new school year and the onset of the holiday season, which can add to the feelings of stress.
For many parents, the start of the school year can amplify anxiety, especially during a pandemic. I felt a surge of worry as my son returned to school, but that anxiety shifted as autumn approached. With my son’s birthday in September, the months ahead are filled with family birthdays and holidays, which can be both joyous and overwhelming.
This past week, I found myself dreading mornings, waking up to darkness and noticing the sun setting earlier. It’s a little disheartening. While autumn anxiety bears similarities to seasonal affective disorder, Scully clarifies that it is distinct and typically lasts for only a few weeks, encompassing the transition into fall.
If this anxiety persists and interferes with daily life, seeking support from a healthcare professional or therapist can be beneficial. It’s important to remember that no one should have to endure anxiety alone. Fortunately, for most, autumn anxiety tends to fade as the season settles in.
I look forward to fully embracing fall—watching the leaves transform, savoring pumpkin lattes, and wrapping myself in cozy sweaters. These simple pleasures provide comfort, which is always preferable to anxiety. For more insights on navigating such challenges, check out this blog post.
For those experiencing similar feelings, helpful resources include CDC’s information on infertility and Make a Mom’s fertility boosters.
Possible Search Queries:
- Signs of autumn anxiety
- How to cope with seasonal anxiety
- Understanding seasonal affective disorder
- Tips for managing anxiety during the holidays
- How to embrace autumn
In summary, autumn anxiety is a common experience that many face as the seasons change. Understanding the root causes and finding ways to cope can help make this transition smoother. Embracing the beauty of fall can also help alleviate some of that anxiety.
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