When the calendar flips to August, a subtle but undeniable shift occurs. The bright, carefree days of summer start to feel numbered, and a collective melancholy seems to set in. Though summer officially ends on September 22, many on social media platforms like TikTok agree that the “end of summer” blues begin as early as August 1. But what is it about August that brings such a gloomy, introspective vibe? Let’s explore the emotional and psychological reasons behind the sadness that often accompanies the final month of summer.
The August Blues: A Universal Feeling
Artist @noellemartiinez summed it up perfectly: “Ever since I was little, August has always had the worst vibes. School starts, post-vacation depression hits, you’re registering for classes, the sun starts disappearing, and you realize summer is over.” This sentiment resonates with many people, but there’s more to the story than just the return to school or work. August has a unique way of signaling the end of a season of freedom and the beginning of routine, and this transition can be emotionally challenging.
The Psychological Impact of Summer’s End
Carly Harris, LMFT, a therapist and director of Newport Healthcare’s young adult family program, describes August as having a “Sunday Scary” vibe. “August can be seen as the ‘Sunday night’ of the year when people feel the looming pressure of returning to routine, work, or school,” Harris explains. Even if you haven’t been in school for years, August can evoke a sense of dread similar to what many feel on Sunday evenings. This is because August signals the end of a period of relaxation and freedom, a time when many people feel a greater sense of ease and happiness.
The Change in Lighting: A Subtle But Significant Shift
Another factor contributing to the August blues is the subtle change in lighting. As the days grow shorter, our bodies begin to notice the decrease in daylight, which can affect our circadian rhythms, or internal clocks. This shift can lead to changes in mood and energy levels, similar to what some people experience with the onset of fall or winter. “[That] can lead to changes in mood and energy levels, similar to what some people experience with the onset of fall or winter or seasonal depression,” explains Harris. The gradual loss of daylight can make the end of summer feel even more poignant, as it becomes a tangible reminder that the long, bright days are coming to an end.
Fashion Limbo and the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
August’s extreme heat and humidity can make the upcoming fall season feel just out of reach. Many people are eager to embrace fall fashion, with its cozy sweaters and boots, but the weather doesn’t cooperate. This creates a sense of being stuck in a fashion limbo, where summer clothes no longer feel right, but it’s too early to break out the fall wardrobe.
Social media exacerbates this feeling of unease. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are often filled with images of beach vacations and European getaways, highlighting the exciting experiences others have had over the summer. “Social media highlights the enjoyable, exciting experiences other people had during the summer,” says Harris. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or regret, as you may find yourself comparing your own summer to those seemingly perfect vacations and wondering if you made the most of the season.
Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
As August progresses, it’s easy to start reflecting on the summer that could have been. Maybe you didn’t get to go on that vacation you were planning, or perhaps you didn’t spend as much time outdoors as you would have liked. The realization that you’ll have to wait another year to experience those summer activities can be disheartening. Harris notes that August acts as a sharp reminder that you’re going to have to say goodbye to Summer Fridays and return to your regular schedule. This is quickly followed by the rapid descent into the busy holiday season, making it hard to accept that most of the year is already behind us.
Coping with the August Blues
While it’s normal to feel sad or nostalgic as summer comes to an end, there are ways to cope with the August blues. According to Harris, the first step is recognizing that it’s okay to feel this way. “Coping with August sadness can be approached by first recognizing that it’s OK to feel sad or nostalgic during this time,” she advises. Once you acknowledge your feelings, you can start to take action.
Remind yourself that there is still plenty of time to enjoy the remaining days of summer. Whether it’s planning a last-minute beach trip, spending time by the pool, or simply relaxing with a good book in the park, there are still opportunities to soak up the sun and make the most of the season. While August may feel like the end, it’s important to remember that it’s not too late to enjoy the warm weather and the freedom that comes with it.
Conclusion: Embracing the Last Days of Summer
The end-of-summer blues are a real phenomenon, but they don’t have to overshadow the remaining days of the season. By acknowledging your feelings and making the most of the time you have left, you can turn August into a month of reflection and enjoyment, rather than one of sadness. Summer may be coming to an end, but there’s still time to create memories and embrace the final days of sunshine. So, take a deep breath, step outside, and enjoy the warmth while it lasts.
