During the autumn months, many people have the tendency to suffer from anxiety and low mood. Although very similar to seasonal affective disorder(SAD), or the “winter blues,” doctors report the major difference is that there often isn’t an obvious external trigger for autumn anxiety.
When the days get shorter, serotonin levels begin to drop. This impacts mood, appetite and sleep, all of which can contribute to increased feelings of depression and anxiety.
So much goes on in the fall, it is easy to feel an increased amount of stress and overwhelm. According to doctors, some additional factors that may contribute to autumn anxiety include still settling into the school year as well as anticipating the stress of the upcoming holiday season.
Some signs of autumn anxiety include:
Depression or drop in mood
Anxiety
Irritability
Fatigue
Increased sleepiness
Lack of interest in favorite activities
Although we can’t control the things that impact autumn anxiety, we can do some things to help lessen the impact.
These are strategies to help reduce the effects of autumn anxiety:
Get more exposure to sunlight, or purchasing a light box
Exercise or become active at least 30 minutes every day
Seek out things you enjoy about the fall season or try new activities
Ask for help
Talk to your doctor or your child’s pediatrician
If you or your child may be suffering from autumn anxiety, let me know prior to or during our next session so that I can help create a tailored routine that fits with your lifestyle.
If you find that these strategies aren’t effective in minimizing autumn anxiety, talk to your doctor about other strategies or possible medication options.