How to Manage September Mood Swings

As summer ends and autumn approaches, many people experience feelings of mild anxiety or sadness, commonly known as “September Sadness”, a result of seasonal changes that affect mood.

With the close of September and the start of fall, a striking pattern recurs among many individuals: lowered mood or a sense of unease. 

This condition often does not receive the same attention as the more widely recognized “winter depression.” 

Experts have named this seasonal disorder “September Sadness.” Studies indicate that about 28% of people experience varying degrees of this state during the transition from summer to autumn.

The phenomenon is not merely about nostalgia for past atmospheres; it is primarily linked to the impact of seasonal changes on the body’s internal biological rhythm. 

These changes influence hormone secretion and sleep quality, thereby raising stress levels. 

Research shows that transitional periods between seasons can increase rates of depression and anxiety by up to 25%.

According to psychologists cited by Psychology Today, coping with this stage does not require rushing into a “fall routine” but rather gradually adapting to the new rhythm.

Suggested steps include adjusting sleep schedules gradually, practicing meditation, and cultivating gratitude for simple daily moments, such as watching the sunset or enjoying a cup of coffee outdoors.

Experts stress the importance of avoiding comparisons with the “perfect” images circulating on social media under the theme of “fall transition.” 

Feeling slow or hesitant is natural during such periods, and expressing emotions as they are can help ease their weight.

They also advise against labeling emotions as “good” or “bad,” instead viewing them as natural responses to change. 

It is normal to feel nostalgia for summer while simultaneously anticipating autumn and its rituals, routines, and atmosphere.

The end of summer should not be seen as a loss, but rather as an opportunity for self-care and regaining balance with flexibility and calm. 

The start of autumn does not mean reinventing oneself, but allowing enough time to adapt at one’s own pace—and leaving space for joy that may emerge from the simplest moments of the coming season.