Some people, with the arrival of autumn, instead of feeling calm, experience lethargy, mood swings, and anxiety; a condition that, although not an independent medical diagnosis, can affect everyday quality of life.
Autumn does not bring clear skies and pleasant air for everyone. The transition from summer to shorter days is accompanied for some people by sudden psychological changes; changes that begin with lethargy and mood fluctuations and may lead to anxiety and a loss of desire to engage in usual activities.
This condition is informally called "autumn anxiety"; a term used to describe a wide range of feelings associated with the change of season. However, according to the health-focused site Healthline, this condition is not considered an independent medical diagnosis.
This state may appear as tension or anxiety and excessive irritability, accompanied by feelings of fatigue, sleepiness, low mood, and decreased interest in things that were once sources of pleasure.
Why does autumn affect mood?
One plausible explanation goes back to the obvious change in daylight hours and their shortening after summer ends. As days shorten, exposure to natural light decreases; a factor that plays a role in regulating the body's circadian clock and sleep-wake cycle and is also linked to systems responsible for mood regulation.
Vitamin D levels may also drop in some people due to reduced exposure to sunlight; an issue that can be influential in the changes of this time of year. However, lack of light is not the only factor behind what is called "autumn anxiety."
Return to normal routine
Autumn is usually accompanied after the summer months by major lifestyle changes; schools and universities start, many return to more regular work schedules, and sleep and wake times change.
The sudden transition from a relaxed summer atmosphere to a packed schedule of commitments can be a source of greater stress and anxiety. Some people may also feel frustration at the end of summer; especially if they had plans or goals they did not achieve in the past months.
Meanwhile, the countdown to the holiday season and the end of the year begins, along with social or financial commitments and additional pressures that may accompany some people.
Is it seasonal depression?
Despite similarities in symptoms, "autumn anxiety" does not necessarily mean having seasonal affective disorder. Patricia Thornton, a psychologist, explains that there is a distinction between the two terms; because seasonal affective disorder is medically recognized as major seasonal depression and is a known medical illness, whereas "autumn anxiety" is not an independent diagnosis.
However, some symptoms overlap between the two conditions; including low mood, lethargy, fatigue, and loss of interest in usual activities.
How to cope with mood fluctuations?
Some simple changes in the daily routine can help cope with the seasonal change. Experts recommend taking advantage of daylight as much as possible and, instead of spending the whole day indoors, going outside during sunny hours.
Regular physical activity is also one of the ways to help improve mood and reduce feelings of lethargy and stress. Changing your perspective on autumn can also be helpful; meaning that instead of seeing it merely as the end of summer, focus on the activities and experiences that characterize this season.
However, persistent anxiety or low mood for a long time, or symptoms that reach a point where they affect work, study, relationships, and daily life, require more than a change in routine. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a professional to assess symptoms and determine their causes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the options used to address anxiety disorders and also seasonal affective disorder.