I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.
L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Autumn is my favourite season, and that used to be my favourite quote. I even had it hung up on my bedroom wall for several years. I don’t even like pumpkin spice lattes, but I am obsessed with cozy sweaters, fall boots, and crunchy leaves. Something about the changing seasons is so hopeful for me. But for those dealing with chronic illness, autumn often brings a unique challenge, colloquially known as the “October Slide”. As such, many with chronic illness hate this season. Sorry, Anne.
What is the October Slide?
The October Slide refers to the worsening of symptoms for some individuals with chronic illness that occurs as the season changes from summer to fall. The cooler temperatures seem to trigger chronic illness flares in some people. While it’s not an official term, many have reported changes in their conditions in the fall. It’s also known as a seasonal downturn.
I’m still so excited for fall, but it’s my first autumn with a chronic illness, so I’m not yet sure whether or how the October Slide will affect me. I have started feeling more muscle pain and tiredness in the last two weeks, so we will see whether this pattern continues.
Others have reported feeling flu-like muscle aches, fatigue and exhaustion, physical pain, and a worsening of whatever symptoms they usually have. The idea is that you’re regressing, or sliding back, in terms of your health.
What Causes the October Slide?
There are a variety of reasons people’s symptoms seem to get worse in the fall. Some of these reasons include:
- Seasonal illnesses and allergies: cold and flu season is definitely starting here. Additionally, COVID-19 is making a fall comeback.
- Stress: many people take on additional stress in the fall with new jobs, new schools, and new routines. You may be less active than you were in the summer. People often get more busy and less motivated in the fall, which could worsen symptoms.
- Shorter Days: some speculate that less amounts of sun are contributing to their worsening symptoms. lower levels of vitamin D can lead to fatigue and muscle pain.
- Cooler Temperatures: with the cooling weather, some people may have a harder time regulating their body temperature and staying warm. It now takes more energy to function.
How Can I Prepare for the October Slide?
Some of the ways to prepare for the October Slide include:
- Boosting your Immunity: I feel like now is a really important time to ensure I’m taking my vitamins regularly, especially Vitamin C and D. They suggest people do their best to stay hydrated, but I’m not really allowed to drink water, so I won’t be doing that. Instead, I plan on drinking copious amounts of peppermint and earl grey tea.
- Prepare Healthy Meals: for those that eat food (not me!), nourishing your body with healthy foods is another way of boosting your immunity and providing you with energy. Meal prepping and keeping fall dinners in your freezer can be a cozy way to help combat the October Slide.
- Continue Exercising: with the dip in temperature, I am so less motivated to spend time outside. I’m really hoping that I don’t give up my regular exercise routine, and manage ways to cope with exercising outdoors. If it gets too much, I’ll move my workouts inside. I am focusing on doing gentle exercise and yoga to stretch out my muscles.
- Self-Care: self-care during this time is so important, both the fun things (like facemasks and flowers) and the not-so-fun things (like cleaning and drinking water). I’m going to try and set aside some time each day to make tea and cuddle up with a good book. I also want to prioritize rest, which is an incredibly difficult thing for me to do. So I will try and make that an active goal this fall.
- Stock Up: now is the perfect time to stock up on anything you use for pain management, from muscle pain medication, to heat packs or hot water bottles. I will be stocking up on Powerade, tea, and chicken noodle soup.
- Dress Warmly: This may go without saying, but dressing properly for the weather is extremely important, especially here in Canada where it gets really cold for really long. It’s time to pull out your favourite cozy sweaters!
Caring for your Mental Health:
Even just anticipating the long, cold winter can negatively impact your mental health. And many studies have proven that your mental health affects your physical health, which could make your symptoms worse during the October slide. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, people with chronic physical conditions risk developing poor mental health.
Nowhere is the relationship between mental and physical health more evident than in the area of chronic conditions.
Canadian Mental Health Association
Additionally, physical flare-ups can cause feelings of frustration and isolation, especially around the holidays. During this time, it is important to address both your chronic illness and your mental health.
One way that I cope with worsening symptoms is by practicing mindfulness. If you have a strong support network, rely on them to provide emotional support during this time. You can also ask friends and family to help with physical tasks that are more difficult, like doing laundry, picking up groceries, or helping care for your pet. It’s ok to let them know that you are having additional challenges during this season.
I’ve also recently found support in online communities of others facing similar conditions.
Hope During the Fall Months:
As autumn leaves begin their graceful descent, remember that navigating the October Slide with chronic illness is a journey of courage and resilience. It’s a reminder that even in the face of seasonal challenges, chronic warriors can find strength, support, and moments of joy.
There are so many fun things to do in the fall, and savouring those moments can help you find hope and joy, even amidst symptom flareups. For example, I am so excited to decorate my apartment for fall and go for country drives to see the changing leaves. I plan on pulling out my fall wardrobe, lighting my fall-scented candle, and embracing autumn. It is okay to prioritize your well-being, including your physical and mental health, over the coming season.
If you don’t experience the October Slide, please be gentle with your chronically ill friends this season. Maybe reach out and ask them about their symptoms and offering to help.
Do you have any tips for navigating the October Slide? Let me know in the comments!