Autumn Anxiety: The Unspoken Struggles as Summer Ends

As Labor Day weekend passes, it marks the unofficial end of summer and the beginning of back-to-school and back-to-work routines. For some, this transition brings excitement—new projects, colorful leaves, and the return of pumpkin spice lattes. But for others, the shift into fall can spark feelings of panic and unease, a phenomenon psychologists refer to as "autumn anxiety."

Do You Have Autumn Anxiety?

In a recent Tellwut survey, 25% of respondents admitted that they're not looking forward to summer ending, while 36% said they feel a little anxious—ready for fall but still mourning the end of summer. Meanwhile, 39% expressed relief, saying they were ready to say goodbye to summer altogether.

Autumn anxiety can manifest as an internal struggle for many people, and it's not just about the weather. September, in particular, brings feelings of change and new beginnings. With at least a dozen years of schooling ingrained in us, September often feels like a transitional time, regardless of whether we’re students or not. Some embrace this energy, while others find the idea of new challenges and uncertainty overwhelming. In the same survey, 43% of people viewed September as a time of new beginnings, while 32% did not, and 25% were undecided.

Tellwut member mollegirl mentions how busy Autumn can be, saying "I'm always sad to see summer go. The end of carefree days and long summer evenings. Soon it will be cold and datk. Fall has always been the busiest time of year with dragging in plants and lawn chairs etc. The leaves need daily raking and if you have kids, the shopping for school and gearing up for a more discipline lifestyle." while michellep33 feels differently, commenting "Autumn is my favorite season, just the right amount of cool & hot weather for me. It,s time for soccer games, more hiking & camping, trail & yard maintenance, harvest decor & lighting, homecomings & Fallfests, local/college music, hot coffee (Sumatra & black, please, hold the pumpkin spice), cooking chili, & grandma's stew . What's the opposite of SAD?"

The Psychological Impact of Shorter Days

As the days grow shorter and colder, many people experience physiological changes that affect their mood. For those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the return of darker months is an unwelcome reminder of the emotional challenges that winter can bring. Even for those who don't suffer from SAD, the lack of daylight can still affect brain chemistry and mood. When asked, 22% of respondents said they suffer from SAD, while 60% said no, and 18% were unsure.

Interestingly enough, many Tellwut member seems to suffer from SAD, but during the warmer months! Tellwutter ravenval wrote "I'm a bit of a strange one! I have Seasonal Affective Disorder, but when it gets to the warmer months instead, because of being an introvert with Social Anxiety Disorder as well. I love dark and short days with cold weather, because everyone stays indoors and it's quieter. I am not a person that likes to be outside in the heat of summer or hear a lot of outdoor activity in my neighborhood (kids screaming, lawn mowers, motorcycles revving). I love the peace and quiet of winter." and dragon54u also stated "I do suffer from SAD but not in the fall or winter. It gets me in the summer with relentless sun every day, and deadly heat. I get depressed and weepy by June and feel better around November when we get some rain and cooler weather--that means below 90 . You people with 4 seasons are blessed, SAD or not."

When Does Fall Start for You?

For some, fall officially begins with the arrival of pumpkin spice and Halloween decorations. Technically, there are two "start dates" for the fall season. Astronomical fall begins on September 22 with the autumn equinox, while meteorological fall starts earlier, on September 1, based on the temperature cycle. In our survey, 46% of people said fall begins on the equinox, while 39% consider Labor Day weekend to mark the start of fall, and 12% view September 1 as the official beginning.

Tellwut member Cineaste  says "I tend to mark Fall more on when I notice the weather and leaves start turning than any official date."

The Reign of Pumpkin Spice—Is It Over?

For many, fall wouldn't be complete without pumpkin spice everything. But new research suggests that pumpkin spice may no longer be the top fall flavor. A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that 58% believe other fall flavors are being overlooked. When asked if there are better fall flavors than pumpkin spice, 47% agreed, while 21% disagreed, and 31% were undecided.

So, what are these "unsung heroes" of fall flavors? According to the survey, salted caramel (24%), cinnamon (23%), and apple (15%) are gaining traction as favorites. Pumpkin spice still holds strong at 21%, but there’s clearly competition in the air—or, should we say, the kitchen.

Eager for Fall to Begin?

Despite autumn anxiety, many people still look forward to the season’s arrival. In fact, 36% of respondents said they get more impatient waiting for fall than for any other season. However, the majority (58%) said they don’t feel the same urgency, and 16% were undecided

sophiaelijah123 says "I would use the phrase eager anticipation instead of impatient with regards to the Fall season and this applies even more to the beginning of the new College Football season."

Whether you love fall for its festivities or dread it for its darker days, it’s clear that this season brings a wide range of emotions and experiences. Autumn anxiety is real, but it’s also a time for new beginnings and nostalgic comforts. So, whether you’re stocking up on Halloween candy or embracing the cooler weather, remember—you’re not alone in how you feel about this transitional time of year.