We usually hear about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the long winter months, especially in the period after the holiday season and before the signs of spring begin to emerge. But SAD also affects people as summer gives way to fall with changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and shorter days.

These signs of depression and anxiety are able to be coped with, however, if you are aware of the signs and ways to combat them.

Glens Falls Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four ways to cope with fall anxiety.

Don’t Suppress Feelings

It may feel natural to try and suppress your feelings of depression and anxiety and try to “power through it,” but experts say you should be patient with yourself. Acknowledge that this is a difficult time of year for you and show yourself some compassion to help you get through it.

Use Negative Emotions to Your Advantage

If you’re feeling anxious about the fall, identify the reasons why and try to come up with solutions to help make the transition easier on you. For example, if you tend to stop exercising once the weather starts getting colder, look into other ways that you can continue reaching your fitness goals, such as joining a gym or finding somewhere indoors to get your workouts in.

Stay Present

Anxiety can ruin your present by worrying about the future. Enjoy the moments that you’re having in the present as best as you can and try not to dwell on what you perceive will be negative experiences in the future.

These Feelings Are Normal

It’s common to have feelings of loss and worry as the seasons change. Try to identify steps that can make the times of year you don’t look forward to a little more tolerable. Find something about each season that you enjoy and embrace that.

To learn more about Glens Falls Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://glens-falls-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.