Autumn

Summer’s Over? Back to Real Life.

Handling Autumn Anxiety

How do you feel when your calendar switches over to September 1st? Nervous as responsibilities creep back in? Wistful to have more time to accomplish your warm-weather plans?

If you’ve felt this seasonal anxiety before, you’re certainly not alone.

In 2005, Ginny Scully, a therapist from Wales, invented the term “autumn anxiety” to describe the feelings of anticipation and nervousness that accompany August’s shift into September. Although autumn anxiety is not classified as a clinical issue like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it’s certainly real. The phenomenon is brought on by a number of elements: cooler weather, shorter days, the school year beginning, new social and work-related responsibilities, and less free time in general.

Consider these 4 ways to keep autumn angst in check:

  1. WRITE A NEW CHAPTER - The fall season brings with it transition and newness. Each year, the change of season gives us an opportunity to start over. To write a new story for ourselves - set fresh goals and challenges. Consider everything you’ve gained over the course of the year, let it propel you forward.

  2. TAKE STOCK - Get organized about what you’re doing. What did you do this year so far? What’s changed? What’s the same? What would you like to see for the remainder of the year? Keep in mind what you’ve accomplished so far and be intentional about where you want to go from here.

  3. STAY CONNECTED - It can be all too tempting to stay inside under a blanket through the dark, chilly months. Plan activities with friends to fight depression and isolation. Get together to do cozy fall things. Think: warm drinks, funny movies, crafting, cooking, museums, apple picking.

  4. REFLECT AND TAKE CARE - Fall is the perfect time to introspect. Take time to contemplate, journal, meditate, and be gentle with yourself. Think about how you’ve grown, what you’ve accomplished over the year, and prioritize the things you have yet to follow through on.

Keep in mind that times of transition, seasonal or otherwise, can be ideal for starting therapy. Counseling can be a great help, offering perspective when it comes to understanding yourself, your current story, and your future goals.

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