Changing Colors
As supple greens turn to mesmerizing golds, changing colors and seasons can also change people’s moods and emotions. Some look forward to autumn and welcome the cool weather with a smile and a cozy sweater. But for others, their pumpkin-spiced beverages are sprinkled with feelings of anxiety.
These anxious thoughts and feelings can arise from shorter days and longer lists of what needs to be accomplished. Or a sense of loneliness may begin to build due to less time scheduled to see friends. Perhaps there is a realization of the ceasing time to go on summer adventures. Others may have a persistent discomfort and distaste for change altogether. No matter what an individual’s reason may be, anxiety can begin to take its toll this time of year. It can be easy to miss the true bliss and beauty of the season.
To keep thoughts focused and controlled, try taking a moment to identify what and why something is triggering anxiety. In anxious ridden moments, acknowledge those feelings. However, be careful not to let the anxiety take control. Get to the root and face it head-on. Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself a break and realize these thoughts and feelings are valid. Being anxious can be the body’s way of signaling that something may not be quite right. It is important to pay attention. Once the reasons become a little clearer behind why anxiety rears its head, it may allow for better preparedness the next time an attack begins.
If anxiety attacks become debilitating, perhaps reaching out to a professional or another trusted individual may help ease some suffering. Sometimes, it takes a little more than internal reflection to find a way to cope and overcome. It may be helpful to speak about anxiety. Saying the words out loud, even if it is difficult to identify the reason, could lead to some relief. This method may help in dealing with those anxious moments. With the help of another, there could be guidance and coping mechanisms that were not obvious alone.
The Take-Away
The most important thing to remember is that support is available. Take a deep, steady breath. Be forgiving. Show patience with yourself and others during this beautiful autumn season. Acknowledge thoughts and feelings to see if finding the root of anxious moments is possible – this may lead to an unforeseen solution. Reach out to a trusted individual if anxiety becomes overwhelming and incapacitating. Anxiety doesn’t have to be something someone must suffer alone. Even if anxiety is not personally familiar, there are sufferers all around. So it is important to remember that a kind smile every season can make a difference.
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