Sadtember: Why September Feels Sad

Screenshot of the Wake Me Up When September Ends video clip (Source: Reprise Record)

JAKARTA - Billie Joe Armstrong wrote Wake Me Up When September Ends as an outpouring of his sadness at the loss of his father. In 2020, a charity concert titled One World: Together at Home raised this song to describe the gloom of the pandemic. But outside of those two contexts, September basically does have a strong image of grief. We dig into this.

According to NBC News, the One World: Together at Home concert was held on April 18 to support health workers and their struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the song Wake Me Up When September Ends tells the story of Billie Joe's sadness at the death of his father due to esophageal cancer.

According to Song Facts, Billie Joe's father died September 1, 1982. While writing Wake Me Up When September Ends he recalled a moment of sadness, how he cried throughout his father's funeral and ran home, locking himself in his room. When her mother got home and knocked on her bedroom door, Billie said, "Wake me up when September ends."

Twenty years later Billie Joe finished the lyrics to Wake Me Up When September Ends in a strenuous process. Wake Me Up When September Ends was originally projected as part of the compilation album "Shenanigans". But Billie was not ready to record it at that time. That's why Wake Me Up When September Ends was finally included on the album "American Idiot" (2004).

In addition to telling the sad story of the death of his father, Wake Me Up When September Ends also tells the formation of Green Day in its lyrics. Then a number of other theories about this song emerged, linking it to the situation of the United States (US) which mourned the attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11). This song is also interpreted as Green Day's political stance against the US invasion of Iraq.

These two theories arise because of the video clip Wake Me Up When September Ends, which tells the story of a young man (Jamie Bell) separating from his girlfriend (Evan Rachel Wood). The young man was dispatched with military troops to fight to defend the country. The video clip for Wake Me Up When September Ends was directed by Samuel Bayer, who also produced the iconic video for the legendary grunge band, Nirvana: Smells Like Teen Spirit.

September grief: mass unrest

A number of studies seek to uncover the secret behind the sadness of September, commonly known as "Sad." Some experts attribute it to autumn and winter, which lead to worse moods, even depression. This condition has even been classified as a syndrome called seasonal affective disorder, which is abbreviated as "SAD".

"Every year I tell myself, 'This is the last winter I can do in England,'" says Cal Stroude, 25, a SAD sufferer in London.

"It's starting to look darker and colder, that's when I tend to feel low and low on energy," she added.

According to National Health Service (NHS) estimates, SAD affects at least one in 15 people in the UK. The most period occurs during September to April. Serious effects of SAD can cause a person to experience normal decline in function throughout the autumn and winter months.

Photo illustration (Vladimir Fedotov/Unsplash)

The sufferers are those who are sensitive to light exposure. So, the lack of sun exposure during that period affects their body condition, which then impacts the way they live their routine.

Lack of light in people with SAD has a more severe impact on the part of the brain that regulates sleep and energy levels. This is confirmed by Anxiety UK, a charity for mental health, that every September they receive more reports.

Even without health problems, a person can experience sadness and anxiety. September means the end of the holidays and we are soon entering a serious period in life. Medical Director of the Health Clinic, Bupa Doctor Arun Thiyagarajan, explained that the holiday period is very valuable for modern life.

And returning to work and school routines can be a source of anxiety. “It is not uncommon for us to suspend our usual routines and habits during the summer months, which can make it difficult to readjust to normalcy. Because of that, September could be unsettling for some people," he said, quoted by Cosmopolitan.

How to deal with Sadtember

Photo illustration (Aaron Blanco Tejedor/Unsplash)

Doctor Arun Thiyagarajan explained several things that can be done to overcome Sadtember. First, by identifying and knowing what we are dealing with. A common cause of anxiety is feeling overwhelmed, which is often unwarranted.

"Talking with a friend or medical professional about your symptoms can help understand why you're feeling them. A 10-minute conversation can give you the clarity and tools you need to deal with anxiety and reduce the severity of your symptoms."

The second way, stay connected to the environment, Thiyagarajan suggests this as a distraction for our bodies. If you're feeling down, meet some friends for coffee or watch your favorite show."

"This will definitely lift your spirits and focus your mind on happiness thoughts rather than fears and worries."

Consumption of vitamin D is the next way. Remember, SAD occurs because of our body's interaction with sunlight. Vitamin D can help us get the benefits we can get naturally from the sun.

"Make good use of the last rays of the sun. Taking a walk at lunch is a great way to get the oxygen your brain needs and can help relieve feelings of anxiety."

"Getting a few extra minutes of sunlight a day can keep melatonin and serotonin levels high, thereby boosting mood and energy."

*Read other information about SCIENCE or read other interesting writings from Yudhistira Mahabharata.

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