“When is autumn, the real one, the one that rhymes with chestnuts, hot chocolate, candles and throws by the fire?” wonder the people who are having trouble coping with the extension of summer. Deciphering this strange feeling with our psychologist.
Stress, irritability, fatigue… There lasting heat is not without consequences on our mental health. Record temperatures were recorded in September and the trend continues at the start of October. If this persistent heat is nice for someshe is depressing for others. In the past, the end of summer brought about sadness, nostalgia or even depression in many of us. Today, it is the fact of not to see autumn happen that causes these kinds of feelings. There are several reasons for this, as Johanna Rozenblum, clinical psychologist, explains to us.
A question of sensitivity to seasonality
“We are not all sensitive to the weather, seasonality and temperatures in the same way. Some people experience consistency very well, others experience the alternation of seasons without difficulty. For those people who need alternation in seasonality, there is something of the order of regulation. The weather, and even more so the season, allows them to regulate themselves emotionally and the fact of not seeing autumn coming prevents them from completing this process.“Johanna Rozenblum immediately poses.
Some people need to see the seasons change and the weather evolve to regain their strength.
While some people live in temperate environments and appreciate consistent temperatures all year round, others really need to see the seasons change and the weather evolve, it’s a way for them to restore themselves. For this category of the population, each season, each time of the year corresponds to a specific period. For example, autumn is dedicated to calm and introspection while summer is more punctuated by outings and discoveries. “These people who see seasons drag on arrive as if out of breath at the end of the season and have difficulty continuing to adapt and regulate themselves. This is what gives rise to a feeling of gloom and depression“, continues the clinical psychologist.
A factor of eco-anxiety
For other people, the lingering heat represents an eco-anxiety factor. And for good reason, these temperatures above the seasonal averages are directly linked to the climate deregulation. THE seasons are less and less marked with some less cold winters, very mild autumns and increasingly hot summers. A phenomenon which is not without consequences for the planet and which is cause for concern. The persistent heat reminds us that this trend of rising temperatures will not be reversed: it will unfortunate consequences on fauna and floraas well as on our quality of life.
Put things into perspective to get better: “It’s temporary”
The best strategy to overcome this depression is to rationalize by putting things into perspective a little. In fact, this heat that persists is temporary. “From a personal point of view, they can be difficult to experience but it is essential to be patient and to repeat to yourself that this situation is not intended to last. It is important to put into perspective the impact that persistent heat has on us emotionally. Of course, it’s not pleasant, but we’re not in danger either“, nuances our interlocutor. You can take the opportunity to do indoor activities if staying outside becomes complicated: go to the cinema, give yourself more time at home to prepare for winter, reading books that you haven’t had time to read or receiving at home… It’s all about adaptation.
Thanks to Johanna Rozenblum, clinical psychologist, author of decondition yourself! (Ed. The book courier)