As the summer days slowly wind down, there’s a certain sadness that creeps in—a feeling of impending change that can leave even the sunniest spirits feeling a little gloomy. While the official end of summer doesn’t arrive until September 22, many people on social media, particularly on TikTok, seem to agree that the emotional shift begins as early as August 1. The vibrant energy of May, June, and July gives way to a more subdued atmosphere, where the leaves appear less lush, the light seems dimmer, and the heat and humidity can feel oppressive. But what is it about August that makes it feel like the “Sunday night” of the year? Let’s explore the reasons behind this common experience.
The August Blues: A Universal Feeling
Artist @noellemartiinez captured a sentiment that resonates with many when she said, “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.” These feelings are familiar to many, but according to experts, there’s more to the story than just the end of a carefree season.
Carly Harris, LMFT, a therapist and director of Newport Healthcare’s young adult family program, describes August as having a “Sunday Scary” vibe. She explains that “August can be seen as the ‘Sunday night’ of the year when people feel the looming pressure of returning to routine, work, or school.” Just as Sunday evenings can bring on a sense of dread or anxiety as the weekend ends, August marks the end of a period of relaxation and freedom. Even if you’ve long since left school behind, the end of summer can still trigger these powerful feelings, as if you’re about to return to the classroom.
The Psychological Impact of the End of Summer
August’s emotional weight is often compared to the feeling of anxiety that creeps in on a Sunday night. This is the time when the carefree joy of the weekend starts to fade, replaced by the impending return to work or school. Similarly, August signals the end of summer’s freedom and the return to routine. According to Harris, this transition can cause a sense of unease, as the lazy days of summer give way to the structured demands of the fall.
For many, this feeling is compounded by the realization that another year is slipping by. August serves as a reminder that time is passing quickly, and the goals or plans you had for the summer may not have been fully realized. This can lead to feelings of regret or disappointment, as you reflect on the experiences you didn’t have or the opportunities you missed.
Change in Lighting: The Subtle Shift
Another factor that contributes to the end-of-summer blues is the change in natural light. As August progresses, the days become noticeably shorter, which can have a significant impact on our circadian rhythms—the body’s internal clock. According to Harris, “The shortening of daylight hours can lead to changes in mood and energy levels, similar to what some people experience with the onset of fall or winter seasonal depression.”
This subtle shift in lighting might not be something you consciously notice, but it can still affect your mood and energy levels. The gradual loss of light as summer fades can create a feeling of sadness or fatigue, as your body adjusts to the changing environment.
Fashion Limbo and FOMO: The August Dilemma
August is a strange month when it comes to fashion. The extreme heat and humidity make you long for the crisp, cool days of fall, but it’s still too early to break out your new wardrobe of cozy sweaters and plaid shirts. This feeling of being in fashion limbo can be frustrating, as you’re stuck wearing the same summer clothes you’ve been wearing for months, even though you’re ready for a change.
Adding to this frustration is the constant stream of social media posts showcasing everyone’s summer adventures. Instagram and TikTok are filled with pictures of beach trips, European vacations, and sun-soaked gatherings with friends. According to Harris, “Social media highlights the enjoyable, exciting experiences other people had during the summer.” This can lead to feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out), as you compare your own summer to the seemingly perfect experiences of others. Seeing these posts can make you feel like you didn’t make the most of your summer, intensifying the melancholy that August brings.
Facing Reality: The End of Summer Fridays
Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of August is the realization that summer is truly coming to an end. For many, this means saying goodbye to Summer Fridays—those blissful early afternoons off work that give you a head start on the weekend. August serves as a stark reminder that these little luxuries are about to disappear, and soon you’ll be back to your regular schedule, with no more long weekends in sight.
Harris explains that “August acts as a sharp reminder that you’re going to have to say goodbye to Summer Fridays and go back into your regular routine, which is swiftly followed by the rapid descent into the Christmas season.” This can be a hard pill to swallow, as it feels like the majority of the year is already behind you, and the busyness of the holiday season is just around the corner.
It’s Not All Sad in August
While the end-of-summer blues are real, there are ways to combat the sadness that August can bring. Harris advises that “Coping with August sadness can be approached by first recognizing that it’s OK to feel sad or nostalgic during this time.” Acknowledging your feelings is the first step to moving past them.
Remember, there’s still time to enjoy the summer before it’s over. Plan a last-minute beach trip, spend a day lounging by the pool, or simply enjoy a good book in the park. There are still plenty of warm, sunny days left to savor, even if the season is winding down.
And as you soak up these final moments of summer, remind yourself that each season has its own charm. Fall brings its own pleasures—cooler weather, beautiful foliage, and the excitement of the holiday season. So while August may feel like a time of endings, it’s also a time of new beginnings.
Conclusion: Embracing the Change
August may bring with it a sense of melancholy, but it’s also a time to reflect on the joys of summer and prepare for the changes ahead. By acknowledging your feelings and finding ways to savor the last days of the season, you can turn the end-of-summer blues into a time of gratitude and anticipation. After all, there’s beauty in every season—even the bittersweet transition from summer to fall.
