Autumn Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms and Ways to Beat the Fall Blues

The days are getting shorter, and the sun is growing dimmer. It is no wonder that many people are starting to feel the autumn blues. Here is a look at this specific type of challenge, as well as tips to combat it.

Understanding the Causes of Autumn Anxiety

Autumn anxiety is the term used to describe the tendency of some people to feel anxious or blue during the fall season. Most people do not realize how common this type of anxiety is and that it tends to recur every year at the same time.

There are several symptoms of autumn anxiety, including excessive worry, depression, low mood, fatigue, irritability, and loss of interest in things that used to bring you joy.

The natural reduction of sunlight that happens this time of the year causes serotonin levels to drop. This feel-good hormone controls moods, appetite, and sleep cycles. As serotonin drops, melatonin rises. The jump in melatonin is responsible for general sleepiness and lethargy.

In addition, the reduced sunlight exposure translates to lower vitamin D levels in the body. A lack of this nutrient has been linked to higher levels of depression.

While many people are familiar with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that comes on during the winter, autumn anxiety is not as widely recognized. Experts note that autumn anxiety is often just an anticipatory reaction to SAD lurking in the months ahead. Likewise, some sufferers report feeling anxious about going back to school and the other major life transitions that happen in September.

It is not unusual for overly anxious people to struggle with transitions. Regardless of whether this is a change in a work schedule, returning to school, or any other major change, those prone to anxiety may experience difficulties during this time of transition.

The end of the summer is also sad for people if they feel the last few months did not live up to their expectations. This regret manifests itself in a general blue feeling once the summer is over. Conversely, some people experience autumn anxiety if they had a great summer and they are simply sad that it is over.

Lastly, the upcoming holiday season is also often a source of anxiety and stress. If you associate the fall season with the impending craziness of the holidays, it is not surprising that you might struggle. This is particularly true if you feel guilty that you should be looking forward to the holidays.