Transition: A Change of Season
tran·si·tion: an abrupt change in energy state or level usually accompanied by a loss or gain of a single quantum of energy.
Fall Transition
Although there is a difference between weather and climate, both topics are on our minds with the recent change in weather and last week’s Global Climate Strike.
The National Centers for Environmental Information notes that “though they are closely related, weather and climate aren’t the same thing. Climate is what you expect. Weather is what actually happens.”
WHAT A METAPHOR FOR LIFE THAT IS. Parents know all too well that managing expectations is a big part of raising children. There are links to articles that may help you manage expectations through seasonal transitions at the bottom of this post.
If you google ‘transition from summer to fall,’ you’ll probably find ideas on how to blend your summer and fall wardrobes. You’ll find very little, however, on how to blend the conflicting emotions a change of season can elicit.
The autumnal equinox was on September 23, 2019. Shorter days and colder nights can have a profound impact on our bodies and minds. While some find fall invigorating; others find it bittersweet. Feelings of grief and sadness can grow more prevalent this time of year.
We should mention that September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Contrary to common assumptions, research indicates that suicides are more prevalent during late spring and early summer. Even so, the awareness campaign prompts us to collectively tune in.
The Healthy Youth Survey conducted last spring showed:
Growing rates of depression and suicidal ideation
Quality of life indicators are decreasing
Bainbridge Island culture feels like an achievement pressure cooker that threatens student’s physical, social, emotional, and civic well-being
Parents lack support. Many do not have extended family in the area and feel isolated in their efforts
Likewise, data from The City of Bainbridge Island’s Need Assessment Report showed:
Teen anxiety is more prevalent here than in the County or State.
So are rates of teen drinking, marijuana use, and binge drinking.
The report also notes that some working parents are emotionally disconnected from their teens and leave them unsupervised or turn a blind eye to their children’s substance use
Raising Resilience is responding to this data by bringing programs that support parents in their efforts to raise healthy kids who become thriving adults. Our first event, in partnership with Bainbridge Youth Services, and made possible with support from Bainbridge Cinemas and West Sound Academy among other supporters, is SCREENAGERS Next Chapter: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience. This brand new film is coming to Bainbridge Cinemas on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. You can purchase tickets on our events page. Filmmaker and physician, Delaney Ruston, will be joining us for a Q&A session following the film. This film dives deep into the depression and anxiety epidemic plaguing our youth and explores contributing factors and solutions. Bainbridge Island will be one of the first communities to view the film.
In the meantime, here are some tips to help us all navigate the change of season.
Seasonal Transition Tips
YES, THE CHANGE IN SEASON REALLY DOES AFFECT YOUR MOOD
Huffington Post
“It’s real… The changes don’t necessarily affect everyone the same way, but seasonal mood shifts often include less energy, feeling less social, losing interest in favorite activities, having cravings for carbs and changes in sleep ― either having trouble sleeping or wanting to sleep more than usual.”
- Kathryn A. Roecklein, an associate professor in the department of psychology at University of Pittsburgh
9 WAYS TO TRANSITION GRACEFULLY INTO THE FALL SEASON
Chopra
To help you transition more smoothly from the summer season, here are nine ways you can get into the fall groove, including a few activities to help give summer a proper send-off.
BACK TO REALITY. NAVIGATING THE EMOTIONAL TRANSITION FROM SUMMER TO FALL
Darling Magazine
The pressure of succeeding and meeting expectations that come with a new year can consume our energy. We use worry like a form of long-distance control when we feel like our goals are merely another opportunity to fail.
ARE PEOPLE’S MOODS AFFECTED BY THE WEATHER? (science project for your kids)
Science for Kids
While some may be seriously affected by certain weather, we can all take charge of how we feel by changing things around and adding a bit of fun into our routine.