Why October is the Emotional Trough of the Year

Here is my attempt to explain why October seems to universally be the emotional trough of the Harvard year. It’s like the February of the fall semester, but worse. At least February is consistent — dark, gloomy, cold as fuck. October is less predictable, and therefore more scary. BOO, it’s the ghost of your healthy mental state past.

Midterms Season

Midterms season never really ends here, but October is where it peaks in its most painful capacity. Right when you start feeling like you’re out of the woods — nope. One more MCB 63 test. Another Orgo exam on the horizon. A group project prospectus that is doing anything but coming together. Back into the thicket. Pure panic.

Social Tensions are High

It’s past the point in the start of the year where everyone has to be nice to each other. You probably have introduced yourself to everyone in your classes and are settled into your daily routines. And it’s before the time in the year where everyone decides to loosen up and just vibe. It’s hard to explain this phenomenon, but I do believe it exists. Expect a few extra “what’s your name again” questions this month. Don’t take it personally, it’s just part of the mental, emotional, and social trough!

The Weather is Rogue

I can’t decide what to wear. Do I wear a coat? Just a sweater? Do I need to wear a tank top underneath my sweater for when I inevitably start overheating due to midterms stress? It’s raining. Umbrellas are embarrassing to carry. It’s not cold enough to wear a coat. When I wear a hood, my head could be mistaken for Humpty Dumpty on his day off. Too many considerations.

Cuffing Season

Self-explanatory.

It’s Getting Dark Out

The sun is starting to set around the same time as the start of dhall dinner, and this is just no good. I think we, as a population, tend to do a lot better when we have our feeding time before it’s dark. On the flip side, there is one more comment to add to your routine small talk with your class acquaintances. Forget “I’m so tired” and “I have so much work,” and throw in a little “I can’t believe how early it’s getting dark out” for fun. You’re bound to get at least an “I know righttttt” back. Success.

Friend Group Infighting Over Halloween Costumes

Believe me, planning a group costume is no easy feat. Everyone has different ideas about what would be funny, what would be cute, and what would just be foul. Nobody is ever on the same page. Every time Halloween costume ideas are brought up, the decibel level of the conversation rises at least 30 percent. Lots of yelling, lots of failed polls, lots of panic Amazon orders, and lots of ~highly intellectual~ conflicts.

With all those complaints now out, there are some pretty great things about October. Pumpkin carving, apple cider donuts, candy, dressing up (if everyone gets their act together). And, the best part about an emotional trough is that it can only go up! Expect some peaks coming soon, or at least some marginal improvement. I don’t know anything about astrology (I just Googled “what is astrology doing rn”), but it looks like there’s something about strengthening and a new phase coming, so make sure to put that on your gcal astrological calendar!