Autumn Blues: Why the end of the year feels the saddest.

And how you can swerve the seasonal sadness.

By Ayomide Adebayo.

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Crisp fallen leaves. Thick wool scarves. Pumpkin spice lattes. Conan Gray’s ‘Heather’ on repeat. A sharp goodbye to sunbathing and piña coladas, and a reluctant hello to bird watching and lavender tea.

For many, the start of September signals more than just a change in weather. It’s a time of early preparations for Halloweekend and a signal to trade linen shirts for faux fur coats. But beyond the wardrobe shifts and seasonal treats, September carries with it a quiet invitation to reflection, a meek moment to consider what has been and what could have been.

This melancholic feeling often has roots in biology. As daylight shortens and temperatures drop, the brain produces less serotonin (that is, the neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation) and more melatonin, which can make us feel sleepier and sometimes more lethargic. This chemical shift is behind the well-documented ‘autumn/winter blues’ that affects many during these months. The reduced sunlight disrupts our internal clocks and can deepen feelings of sadness or anxiety.

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But you see, lifestyle factors also contribute. The colder, darker days make it harder to go outside or attend social gatherings, leading to less physical activity and social connection, which are both vital for mental well-being. And once you’re stuck inside with little to nothing to do, there’s a certain appeal the call of sadness has. You begin to reflect on minuscule, maybe even non-existent flaws. You begin to feel less. This combination can trap us in a vicious cycle of fatigue and withdrawal.

Even culturally, autumn has long been associated with endings and grief. In Asian mysticism and Chinese medicine, for instance, autumn is known as the season of grief, a time to courageously face loss as nature itself slows and prepares for winter’s dormancy. In Nigeria, it is unlovingly referred to as ‘Harmattan,’ a season characterized by thick morning fogs and hay fever.

So, with all these factors seemingly set up to make sure the end of the year is the least pleasurable, what can be done to beat the blues?

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Firstly, and most importantly, is to embrace the season. Wear your most impractical sweater (the one with the frills and excessive buttons), make a cup of piping hot chocolate, and cuddle up with a good book. Give in to the clichés of the season, and you might find yourself enjoying it more.

Going outside is also another approach. Yes, it is cold and dreary, but the sight of gold and amber leaves scattered across winding paths, and tall trees standing bare or partially clothed in fiery foliage, may just make you feel less blue and a lot brighter. And of course, the -Ember months have their fair share of fun. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Yom Kippur. All times for celebration and socialization.

Despite the sadness, autumn brings an opportunity for quiet strength and renewal. The slower pace encourages self-care, preparing us for a fresh start with the coming of winter. So, while the autumn blues are real and felt deeply, they also remind us of our resilience and the cyclical nature of life: endings are never just endings, but openings to what comes next.

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