September Anxiety for High Achievers | Toronto Therapy
Well, here we are again. The cooler breeze that’s been sweeping through Toronto and the GTA feels like a welcome break after the heavy heat we’ve had all summer. Part of me is ready for cozy sweaters and crisp mornings—but I also know that for many people, September carries a different weight. This time of year can bring with it a quiet sense of anticipatory anxiety. Whether you’re a parent juggling school schedules, a professional stepping back into high-pressure projects, or a student staring down deadlines, the shift into fall has a way of stirring up stress.
Why September Brings About Anxious Thought Patterns
September often feels like the “other New Year.” There’s pressure—spoken and unspoken—to reset, start fresh, and do it all better than before. For high achievers and those navigating perfectionism, this pressure can feel especially heavy. You might catch yourself thinking: Am I ready? Will I keep up? Am I already falling behind?
Your body is feeling this shift, too. The change in daylight, the ramp-up of responsibilities, and the loss of summer’s slower rhythm all collide, creating tension that’s hard to shake. It’s not just in your head; your whole system is adjusting.
Navigating Perfectionism and Mental Health During Seasonal Transitions
We often believe that building new routines will help us dive into change and set us up for success. And sometimes that’s true—habits can provide structure and stability. But routines can also act as a mask, covering up how we really feel about the transitions around us. Establishing routines supporting your wellbeing is valuable, but reflecting on what’s driving your actions is equally important.
It’s common for people to notice waves of anticipatory anxiety as summer winds down and September approaches. For many, it appears as a mix of excitement and tension—looking forward to what’s ahead while quietly dreading the pressure of expectations. If this resonates with you, try to allow yourself a moment of grace. Sit with the feeling and notice what comes up instead of pushing it away.
In therapy, clients might explore this through journaling prompts such as:
What emotions arise when I think about September and new routines?
Am I building these habits out of pressure to perform, or from a place of genuine desire?
What would it look like to move into this season with more compassion for myself?
By slowing down and making space for reflection, you begin to understand what you’re doing and why—and that awareness can guide more sustainable and meaningful choices.
Managing Routines Without Falling Into Symptoms of Perfectionism
Here’s what I often remind clients: change takes time. You don’t need to have everything figured out the moment September begins. Easing into new routines works best when we understand why we’re creating them in the first place.
For example, you might tell yourself: “I need this routine so I can manage all aspects of my life.”
That’s a solid starting point—but it helps to ask:
Is there a part of me that feels I’m not showing up for myself?
Why does this matter to me?
Is this truly where I want to invest my energy right now?
Pausing to reflect in this way shifts routines from chasing perfection toward creating structures that feel meaningful and sustainable, and may reduce self-critical thoughts, hopelessness, or feeling overwhelmed.
How Therapy in Toronto Supports Self-Critical Thoughts and Seasonal Change
When the seasons shift, it’s normal to feel unsettled. Therapy creates space to unpack those feelings, notice the patterns behind them, and develop tools to manage them with more ease. Whether it’s learning how to quiet perfectionism, building routines that truly serve you, or simply having a place where someone really listens, therapy can act as preventative care for your long-term mental health.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to connect for a consultation and see whether therapy might align with what you need.