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Spiraling anxiety about August instead of the traditional Sunday worries dominates TikTok discussions

The 'Sunday scaries', a common feeling of apprehension before the start of the workweek, has been supplanted by a novel form of existential anxiety on TikTok, known as 'the August scaries'. Unlike its predecessor, this newer manifestation of dread is centered around a specific month, and it is...

Spiraling TikTok Anxiety Shifts from Weekends to August, Coined as 'August Scaries'
Spiraling TikTok Anxiety Shifts from Weekends to August, Coined as 'August Scaries'

Spiraling anxiety about August instead of the traditional Sunday worries dominates TikTok discussions

In the bustling world of social media, a new seasonal phenomenon has emerged, dubbed the 'August Scaries'. This is not a single night of unease, but an entire month of spiraling for Gen Z and millennials.

The cultural rite of passage known as the 'Sunday scaries' has evolved into a newer, more niche form called the 'August scaries'. TikTok's feeds are filling with posts capturing the quiet dread of summer's end. Regan Sweeney, a TikToker, described August as feeling like the longest Sunday scary of the year. Another TikToker went viral, expressing their fear of the August scaries, stating, "I'm getting the August scaries. I hate this feeling every year."

Psychology Today suggests combating the August Scaries by embracing self-kindness. The best way to ease into this transition, as suggested by Psychology Today, is to take things slowly and be gentle with oneself. The article also advises that the August Scaries is a normal type of anxiety, arising from shifting routines after the summer.

The term 'friendflation', a reported issue affecting Gen Z and millennials, is not directly mentioned in the context of the August Scaries. However, the feelings of anxiety and unease during this time could be exacerbated by factors such as the end of vacations, the return to work or school, and changes in social dynamics.

If you're struggling with the 'End of Summer Scaries' or the 'Sunday scaries', Psychology Today suggests reading about how to stop the 'Sunday scaries' for tips on dealing with the August Scaries. The key is to remember that these feelings are common and manageable, and to approach the transition into autumn with self-compassion.

Regan Sweeney's TikTok post about August is tagged with #Summer, reflecting the feelings of many, especially students and teachers, returning for another academic year. As August progresses, TikTok users continue to express their feelings of anxiety and unease, reminding us that the August Scaries is a shared experience.

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