As the days grow longer and the warmth of summer lingers, it’s easy to fall in love with the freedom and relaxation that the season brings.
However, as August approaches, a shift begins to occur that many of us feel deep inside. It’s a gentle change in the air, a quiet reminder that summer is ending and carefree days are fading.
For some, the transition is filled with nostalgia and sadness and marks the beginning of the end of an unforgettable season. But what is it about August that evokes these feelings of melancholy, and why is it so reminiscent of the “Sunday Frights” of our childhood?
Let’s delve deeper into the psychological reasons behind the August blues and explore how they affect us emotionally as we approach the end of summer.
The end of summer is always bittersweet. It marks the end of long, sunny days, warm evenings, and the carefree, relaxed attitude that turns the world into a summer adventure. While the official end of the season falls on September 22nd, many people on platforms like TikTok seem to feel the shift starting on August 1st.
The earlier months of summer, May to July, are full of sunny energy, but as August rolls around, everything begins to change. Once vibrant green leaves begin to look dry and burnt, sunlight shifts to a duller, yellowish hue, and the heat and humidity can make you question everything around you.
August blues
Artist @noellemartiinez explains: “Ever since I was a kid, August has always had the worst vibes. School starts, post-holiday depression hits, you’re signing up for classes, the sun starts to fade and you realize summer’s over.” It’s clear that many people feel a strange sense of melancholy in August for a variety of reasons, but experts suggest that psychologically more.
The psychological impact of the end of summer break
August has a “Sunday Dread” feel to it, according to therapist Carly Harris, LMFT and director of the Young Adult Program at Newport Healthcare. She told Bustle, “August can be seen as the ‘Sunday night’ of the year when people feel the pressure of getting back into routine, work or school.” Like the anxiety many experience on Sunday evenings, August brings a sense of dread, signaling the end of a time of relaxation and freedom Harris adds that even if you haven’t been in school in years, transitioning back into a busy routine can bring on those familiar feelings of anxiety.
Change in Light
You may not consciously notice it, but there is a change in light that can have a significant psychological impact. In August, the days start to get shorter, which affects our circadian rhythms, or internal clocks, Harris explains. As the weeks approach fall, shorter days bring less natural light, which can alter mood and energy levels, similar to seasonal changes that cause fall or winter depression.
Fashion limbo and FOMO
August’s extreme heat makes the arrival of fall seem far away, leaving those looking forward to the season — complete with cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes — feeling stuck in fashion limbo.
While you may have already stocked up on fall clothes, it will be months before you can wear them. Meanwhile, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are flooded with pictures of people enjoying their summer holidays, days at the beach, and trips to Europe. According to Harris, “social media highlights the fun and exciting times others had during the summer.” Looking at these photos can lead to feelings of sadness, especially if you feel like you didn’t make the most of your summer.
Last but not least
The oppressive heat and humidity of August only heighten the longing for the cooler days of autumn with pumpkin spice lattes, fresh air, and Halloween festivities. You may have an entire fall wardrobe waiting to be worn, but it will be months before you can enjoy it. Meanwhile, social media is full of people sharing their beach trips and European getaways, adding to the feeling that maybe you haven’t quite embraced summer. This, Harris suggests, can contribute to feelings of melancholy.
In conclusion, the August blues is a common experience for many, triggered by a combination of psychological and environmental factors. As summer draws to a close, we are reminded of the carefree moments that are slipping away, replaced by the looming pressure to return to routine. The shift in light, shorter days, and the anticipation of fall create a sense of sadness, even for those who may not be consciously aware of the impact on their mood. The mental and emotional shift of August can be overwhelming as it brings the realization that summer is coming to an end with its warmth and freedom.
Additionally, increased exposure to social media with its constant stream of perfecvacationson and fun moments can amplify feelings of regret or missing out, especially when we feel like we didn’t make the most of our summer. These feelings of longing for something unattainable, such as an easy summer or cooler fall days, can contribute to an overall feeling of melancholy. Understanding the factors behind the August blues allows us to acknowledge and process these emotions andrremindsd us that it’s okay to feel sad as one season ends and another begins. It is a natural part of the cycle and in time the emotional shifts will pass as we adjust to the rhythms of the new season ahead.