Do the Seasons Affect Your Mental Health? How to Care for Yourself as Summer Ends
By Growth Era Counseling & Wellness
Do the Seasons Affect Your Mental Health? (Spoiler: Yes, They Often Do)
As August winds down and the sun sets just a little earlier each night, you might feel a shift—not just in the air, but in your mood, energy, and motivation.
If you’ve been feeling “off” lately, you’re not alone.
The changing of seasons—especially the transition from summer to fall—can have a real and noticeable impact on your mental health.
And it’s worth paying attention to.
Why the End of Summer Feels Heavy for Some People
Summer is often associated with freedom, lightness, movement, and longer days. Even if your daily life didn’t change much, the season itself can feel more expansive. More sun. More social energy. More time outdoors.
So when that starts to fade, you might experience:
A dip in mood or energy
A sense of grief or nostalgia
Resistance to returning to routine or structure
Increased anxiety or pressure about goals or productivity
Social withdrawal as the days shorten
This doesn’t make you “lazy” or “unmotivated”—it makes you human. Seasonal transitions affect our biology, rhythms, and emotions, whether we realize it or not.
The Mental Health Effects of Seasonal Change
Many people are familiar with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which typically arises in late fall or winter. But even before SAD sets in, seasonal shifts—like the move from summer to fall—can trigger:
Low mood
Difficulty concentrating
Increased irritability or restlessness
Sleep disturbances
Feelings of isolation or disconnection
Changes in appetite or energy
Even people without clinical SAD can feel the weight of this seasonal shift. It’s not “all in your head”—it’s in your nervous system, your circadian rhythm, and your lived experience.
Fall Also Brings Emotional Complexity
Fall can stir up a mix of emotions. For some, it feels cozy, grounding, and beautiful. For others, it represents endings—of carefree summer days, of light, of ease.
It’s a time of transition, which can:
Resurface grief or past seasonal memories
Bring on pressure to “get it together” before the year ends
Create anxiety about school schedules, work demands, or upcoming holidays
Remind you of where you thought you’d be by now
These emotional layers matter. Giving yourself permission to feel them—without minimizing or rushing past them—is a powerful form of self-care.
How to Care for Your Mental Health as Summer Ends
You don’t have to wait until winter to support your mental health. In fact, this transitional time is the perfect opportunity to check in with yourself and make small, intentional shifts.
Here are a few gentle practices:
Acknowledge the Shift
Name it. “I’m feeling a little off as summer winds down.” Just saying it out loud can help you feel less alone or confused by your mood.
Adjust Your Routine Mindfully
As daylight changes, your body may need different rhythms. Try winding down earlier, taking walks in the morning light, or creating calming evening rituals.
Check In Emotionally
What are you holding as this season ends? Joy? Sadness? Relief? Regret? Make space for reflection through journaling, therapy, or quiet time.
Stay Connected
As social energy wanes, be intentional about staying connected to people who nourish you—even if it’s just a quick text or a shared walk.
Consider Professional Support
If you notice persistent low mood, anxiety, or disconnection as the seasons change, therapy can be a helpful space to explore that. You don’t have to wait until it gets worse.
Therapy Can Help You Navigate Seasonal Transitions
At Growth Era Counseling & Wellness, we understand that emotional changes often follow seasonal ones. You might not be able to explain why you feel off—but together, we can explore what you need and how to support yourself through it.
Whether you’re dealing with stress, burnout, grief, or simply feeling unlike yourself lately, we’re here to help you realign with what matters most.
Reach out today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists.
Let’s welcome this next season together—with care, intention, and support.