Tips for Coping With End-of-Summer Blues

CLEVELAND - With Labor Day here, many people feel that summer's coming to a close.

So, how do you cure a case of the end-of-summer blues?

"I think the biggest thing is to prepare yourself for the summer ending and start thinking about the things you can look forward to in the next season,” said Beena Persaud, PsyD, a psychologist with Cleveland Clinic.

As summer winds down and routines return, Dr. Persaud said it’s important to make time for fall activities you enjoy.

Whether it's apple picking or corn mazes, there are still plenty of things to do even as the weather cools down.

Dr. Persaud also encourages keeping up with those hobbies you can do year-round.

She added that staying connected with friends and family can help make the seasonal transition easier as well. 

While feeling a little down as summer ends can be normal, there are some signs that might suggest something more serious is going on. 

“Signs to look out for include a loss of pleasure, like not feeling excited about anything anymore or not looking forward to things,” Dr. Persaud said. “If you start isolating yourself or notice disruptions in your work or school life, this can also indicate something else might be going on.”

If you notice any of these signs, Dr. Persaud recommends reaching out to your doctor or a mental health professional for help.