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Recently, while I was lounging on the couch, anticipating a family outing, a wave of heaviness washed over me, filling me with a sense of dread. As we drove to the park to celebrate my nine-year-old’s birthday, an unexpected pang of despair struck, and my heart raced for no apparent reason. Everything seemed perfect—it was a lovely autumn day, and I was celebrating my cherished child’s special day. So, why was I feeling this way?
The next morning, I stumbled upon an article discussing “autumn anxiety,” a term introduced by Welsh psychologist Emily Richards in 2005. Her insights were enlightening. She explained that it’s common for people to experience anxiety and apprehension during the transition from summer to fall.
Richards shared with a local news outlet that many of her clients report feeling anxious—individuals who typically don’t struggle with anxiety—without understanding its origin. They describe it as a sense of anticipation, yet without knowing what they’re meant to anticipate. This perfectly encapsulated my experience: a vague feeling of existential dread and doom, without a clear cause.
Richards pointed out several factors contributing to this sensation. Primarily, those susceptible to their environment are more likely to feel autumn anxiety. As someone who is highly sensitive, this resonates with me. I often experience migraines before it rains, and shifts in weather patterns can impact my mood and health. It makes sense that a change of season would affect me.
However, even those who typically maintain a level-headed demeanor may feel this way. According to Richards, “more logical individuals also experience it, although they might not be able to pinpoint it and dismiss it as a state of flux.”
Autumn anxiety manifests as a sense of unease and anticipation without a clear source. It correlates with seasonal changes—shifting from warm, sunny days to cooler, shorter ones. Healthline notes that this anxiety is often exacerbated by life transitions, such as the beginning of a new school year and the approach of the holiday season. Additionally, less time spent outdoors and reduced physical activity can contribute to these feelings.
For many parents, the start of another school year can heighten anxiety levels, especially during a pandemic. Personally, I was overwhelmed at the beginning of the school year, but much of that anxiety had subsided by the time I encountered my autumn anxiety.
For me, the combination of seasonal change and the upcoming holiday season was particularly stressful. My son’s birthday in September is a joyous occasion, but it’s just the start of a whirlwind of birthdays and holidays that fill the months leading up to January. While I enjoy the festivities, they often come with a busy schedule and heightened social interactions—challenging for an introvert like me.
I noticed a growing sense of dread as I woke up each morning, especially with the darkness lingering longer. The sun is setting earlier, which can feel quite disheartening. Could it be seasonal affective disorder?
Although autumn anxiety shares similarities with seasonal affective disorder, Richards explains that it specifically pertains to the transition into fall and tends to be shorter in duration. However, it can easily lead into seasonal affective disorder for some, which is unfortunate. While the two are distinct, their treatment approaches are similar.
Healthline suggests increasing daily sunlight exposure as a way to combat autumn anxiety and considering light therapy if that doesn’t suffice. Sometimes, a boost in vitamin D is necessary during this period (consult your doctor if you suspect a deficiency). Additionally, engaging in physical activities that bring you joy can help alleviate symptoms.
If your autumn anxiety persists and interferes with your daily life, seeking help from a healthcare professional or therapist is crucial. No one should have to endure anxiety or depression alone—support is available. Thankfully, for most, autumn anxiety tends to fade after a few weeks as we adapt to the season. Just knowing I’m not alone in these feelings has been incredibly reassuring.
I’m hopeful that once my autumn anxiety subsides, I can fully embrace the season. Fall has always been my favorite time of year, and I eagerly anticipate the vibrant foliage, sipping on a pumpkin latte, and snuggling into cozy sweaters. Yes, it’s cliché, but those comforting rituals mean more to me than I can express.
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In summary, autumn anxiety is a common experience characterized by feelings of unease and anticipation as the seasons shift. Understanding its causes and seeking ways to cope can help individuals navigate these feelings effectively.