As a mental health therapist in St. Louis, I often see this time of year as a whirlwind for many. We’re officially entering the “season for all the seasons,” where it feels like every part of life ramps up at once. Whether it’s sports taking center stage, holiday planning in full swing, or just trying to keep up with the ever-changing weather, this time of year can be both exciting and overwhelming.
If you’re feeling like your head is spinning trying to keep up with everything, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into some of the ways these “seasons” might be impacting you, and how we can navigate them in a way that protects our mental health.
Fall Sports Mania
For a lot of St. Louis families, Fall marks the start of the sports season in full force. Whether it’s kids’ soccer games on Saturdays, professional football dominating Sundays, or the excitement for play-off Cardinals baseball, the calendar fills up fast. And let’s not forget about the high school sports scene—Friday Night Lights is a huge deal. From the players on the field to the spectators, referees, and cheerleaders, there’s so much fun and excitement in the air. But, for many, it’s another event that everyone feels they have to be at.
Suddenly, weekends turn into a juggling act of practice schedules, games, and trying to squeeze in a moment of downtime. If you’re a sports fan or have a family that’s into sports, this time of year can feel non-stop.
It’s great to enjoy the energy and excitement that sports bring, but it’s also okay to admit when it’s starting to feel a bit much. You don’t have to attend every game or every tailgate party to still feel connected. Give yourself permission to say no sometimes, especially if what you really need is some time to recharge. Mental health thrives on balance, and that includes balancing the fun with some much-needed rest.
Holiday Planning Overload
Right after sports mania, here come the holidays! From Halloween to Thanksgiving and then straight into Christmas, it seems like the holiday season starts earlier and earlier each year. For many, this can be an overwhelming time filled with obligations—decorating, cooking, attending or hosting gatherings, buying gifts—all while trying to keep up with day-to-day life.
And for parents, there’s the added pressure of making sure the kids experience all the holiday magic. Whether it’s getting tickets for the Polar Express train ride, signing up for Christmas light walks, or securing a spot at holiday craft fairs and tree-lighting ceremonies, it can feel like you need to plan months in advance to keep up with everyone else. It’s as if missing out on one event means your family is somehow losing the holiday game.
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make every holiday perfect. I often hear from clients who feel pressure to create Instagram-worthy moments or traditions that match up with what they see on social media. But here’s the thing: those picture-perfect moments you see online are just snapshots. They don’t capture the chaos behind the scenes, and they don’t have to be your reality.
The key to enjoying the holidays without burning out is finding ways to simplify. If decorating the house from top to bottom stresses you out, scale it back this year. Maybe bake a few cookies instead of an entire batch. The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, not stress. If you focus on what brings you happiness (and not what you think should bring happiness), you’re already winning.
Hunting Season: A Unique Stressor for Some Families
“Oh DEER, I do love huntin’ season”- do the lyrics from this popular Mackenzie Carpenter song resonate with you? For many families in Missouri, hunting season is another big part of the fall. Deer hunting, turkey hunting, duck hunting—whatever the case, there are extra weekends away and significant time spent preparing for the outdoors.
Now, I’m not here to debate the merits of hunting, but from a mental health perspective, it’s important to recognize that this can bring its own set of challenges. Whether it’s a spouse who’s frequently away, added stress to balance home life alone, or the anxiety of potential accidents, it’s something that affects many people this time of year.
If you’re feeling disconnected because a loved one is off in the woods every weekend, find ways to stay connected. Schedule time for yourselves before they head out, or set aside some special moments when they return. And if you’re the one out hunting, make sure to check in with your family and keep communication open. Balance is key here, too.
Sports, Hunting, and Professional Football—Oh My!
Let’s not forget, St. Louis is a city that loves its sports, even though we lost our football team. We’ve got the Kansas City Chiefs nearby, and you can bet that professional football still takes over many Sundays in homes across the region. This can be both a bonding experience and a source of tension—whether it’s arguments over which team to root for, or the fact that Sundays turn into a football marathon.
Again, moderation is key. If you’re not a football fan but live with one, it’s important to communicate your needs for balance. Maybe you join in for a game or two, make special Sunday traditions like making chili and having a fire in the fireplace while watching the game together, but also carve out time to do something that makes you feel relaxed and recharged.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – The Less Obvious Season
While the buzz of fall activities can be fun, there’s another season that sneaks in quietly around this time: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). As the days get shorter and the weather cools down, some people start to feel the impact on their mood and energy levels. The darker days can trigger symptoms of depression, fatigue, and a general sense of low motivation.
If you notice that your mood tends to dip in the fall and winter, it’s worth considering that SAD could be a factor. One thing I always recommend to clients is to maximize sunlight whenever possible. Try to get outside during the daylight hours, even if it’s just for a short walk. Light therapy lamps are another great option for bringing some brightness into your space. Staying connected to others and maintaining a healthy routine with exercise, nutrition, and sleep can also help combat the effects of SAD.
Reasons for the Seasons: Prioritize What Matters Most
When it feels like you’re juggling all the seasons at once, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to do everything. But you don’t have to. One of the best things you can do for your mental health this time of year is to prioritize what really matters to you.
Make a list of the activities or traditions that truly bring you joy and focus on those. It’s okay to let some things go. If you miss a football game or decide not to throw the perfect Halloween party, the world won’t end. Give yourself grace to enjoy the season without overloading yourself with expectations.
So as we dive into this chaotic but exciting time in St. Louis, remember that it’s okay to set boundaries and say no when needed. It’s okay to rest. And most importantly, it’s okay to prioritize your mental health—because when you do, every season becomes a little easier to enjoy.
And if any of these topics resonate with you, be sure to follow along for an upcoming blog series where I’ll be diving into each one more thoroughly. We’ll explore how to navigate the challenges that all of these seasons bring, while coping with the seasonal weather changes, all with a focus on mental well-being.
Consider Therapy in West County, MO
Did that feel like a lot, already? We get it. That’s why we’re here to support your entire family. Want mom therapy? Marriage counseling? Play therapy for children as young as 3-years old? Teen counseling? Men’s therapy? We’ve got you. Our expert therapists at Marble Wellness in the West County area are well equipped and eager to help! Reach out today and get the support you and your family deserve.
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