The change of season can be challenging. As daytime grows shorter and summer vacations fade into memories, feelings of melancholy can occur. Here are some ways to ease the transition.
I feel sad at summer’s end. Is this normal?
As summer ends, it is not uncommon for people to experience mild blues with the change of season. However, if the feeling magnifies or affects behavior, such as lessening the desire to get out of bed or do things, it’s best to seek medical advice to examine causes and improve physical/mental health.
What are seasonal transitions?
Seasonal transitions are the periods of change between the phases of the year to include winter, spring, summer and fall.
Why are people affected by seasonal transitions?
People are sensitive to changes, including seasonal ones. Per Cottonwood Psychology, “These transitions are not just marked by shifts in weather and natural landscapes but also bring about changes in daylight hours, temperature, and even the air that we breathe. As we move from one season to the next our environments transform in ways that can deeply affect our daily lives, habits, and even our feelings and mood.”
Is this different than SAD?
Experiencing some blues is not the same as the medical condition known as SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a major depressive disorder (MDD) with a seasonal pattern. It may be provoked by seasonal change, typically in the fall or winter. SAD is most prevalent in women and young adults. It is also more common in the north. Per Healthline, symptoms of SAD may include:
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- Lack of energy
- Trouble concentrating
- Thoughts of suicide (Dial or text 988 for help)
Symptoms may present differently in individuals. Other symptoms may be:
- Daytime fatigue
- Overeating/weight gain
- Lack of interest in social activities
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Lack of appetite/weight loss
- Acting violently
- Troubled relationships
Anyone experiencing troubling symptoms associated with SAD or another condition should seek medical intervention. Help exists, such as stress management, light therapy, and medications as examples. Do not attempt to self-diagnose as there are many conditions with overlapping symptoms. Seeing a doctor for evaluation and help is your best option.
How can I beat slight fall blues?
If you are feeling a tad bit down with the change of season, and are not experiencing serious symptoms, there are simple things you can do to deliver cheer. Here are five suggestions for beating the fall blues:
- Plan your next fun vacation. Feeling like summer fun is over? Why not get started planning your next adventure? Not only will this cheerfully occupy your time, but it also gives you something fun to look forward to in the future.
- Decorate happy! Rather than resist change, embrace the fall season to help beat minor blues. Choose fall-themed and colorful decorations to include pumpkins, sunflowers, pine garland, fall fabrics, amber candles, and more to boost mood!
- Exercise outdoors. The end of summer does not equal staying indoors. The fall season delivers reduced humidity and favorable weather conditions for outdoor exercise. Why not go for a walk in the park and enjoy leaf peeping to absorb the vibrant beauty of the season? Additionally, getting sunlight may be beneficial as there is a strong association between light and mood.
- Socialize. Entertaining and spending time with others is a wonderful way to get rid of the blahs. Not up to having guests over? Organize a social outing with friends and family. Head to a pumpkin patch or enjoy a hay wagon ride at a local farm instead.
- Enjoy a hobby. Keeping oneself occupied with something pleasant is a great way to beat the blahs. The list of fun things to do is endless. Here are some fall hobby suggestions:
- Painting autumnal landscapes
- Baking pumpkin pies (Attach our internal link here – recipe pumpkin pie)
- Photography featuring colorful trees
- Music – Bust out your autumn playlist
- Genealogy – Learning about all seasons of life
- Garden by planting fall mums
- Biking along a pretty trail
- Reading books about autumn
What is the best way to address seasonal blues?
Mild blues associated with a change of season are common and frequently subside with time. It is beneficial for those experiencing mild blues to reduce and manage stress, exercise mind and body, eat healthily, and get a good night’s sleep. Staying active and engaged may also help beat minor cases of blues. However, there is no shame in seeking help where self-help strategies fail. As always, serious, lingering, or persistent blues should always be medically addressed to evaluate causes and move toward wellness.
DISCLOSURE: This article is for general purposes only and is NOT medically reviewed. It is NOT intended as a substitute for medical advice. We highly recommend seeking medical help for cases of depression or symptoms associated with SAD or other health conditions.