If you find yourself feeling inexplicably blue this month, know that it’s likely not about you. It’s about August.
The last full month of summer can be a tough one for many reasons. You are also not mistaken in thinking you are feeling a slight twinge of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) tugging at you in August. The days are getting shorter, the light is slowly waning, and your body has taken note.
August anxiety is something I noticed many summers ago. For me, it’s always been a month of conflicted feels. My typical range of emotions in August can be measured on a very vast scale encompassing everything from restlessness to sadness which means I can feel simultaneously frenzied and unmotivated. Dare I say August almost feels a smidge January-ish, without the deep freeze and depths of darkness.
I recently chatted with Krista Roesler, a registered psychotherapist, life coach and co-founder of Psych Company in Toronto, on the subject of August anxiety. She helped me to better understand this not-often-talked-about phenomenon a little better. Read on for Roesler’s insights about August and how to make it a mentally gentler month.
Why does August bring feelings of anxiety?
“People may feel anxiety or sadness the summer is coming to an end in August due to seasonal transitions, such as returning to school or work routines, end-of-summer worries, or weather-related discomfort,” Roesler says. “The month often brings deadlines, financial concerns from vacations ending, and changes in daylight which can affect mood. Some of us start to feel depressed and anxious the cold weather is coming back soon. These factors combined can contribute to deep feelings of anxiety for many individuals. August is also a time when you see everyone posting nice travel photos from their summer adventures. For many of us in this current day market, these pictures may be very far removed from you and what you could even imagine doing. August is a time when those with the means do it—and in some cases, flaunt it—making some of us a ‘little’ jealous, or at the very least feeling a bit of self-pity.”
You mention changes in daylight being noticeable now, how does this impact mood?
“In August, changes in weather such as increased heat and humidity, along with shifting daylight hours, affect our mood and energy levels,” Roesler explains. “These biological rhythms, like fluctuations in sunlight exposure, are like those involved in SAD where reduced sunlight in winter leads to depression and anxiety. Although August has longer days than winter, rapid changes can still disrupt our internal rhythms, impacting mood and contributing to feelings of anxiety or low energy.”
August is the gateway to busy months ahead which can cause anxiety. What are a few coping strategies for getting through?
“To navigate August and the rest of the year try incorporating simple strategies like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, practicing mindfulness or deep breathing, and setting aside time for self-care,” Roseler shares. “Staying organized with a calendar can help manage upcoming events like back-to-school or holidays, reducing stress. Connecting with loved ones for support and taking breaks to relax can also boost your resilience. Preparing in small steps now can make the busy season feel more manageable and less overwhelming.”
