What Are the Sunset or Sundown Scaries?
Below is a summary of the article I contributed to. Read the full article on Parents.
What are Sunset/Sundown Scaries?
New parents often experience anxiety or dread as the sun sets, signaling a challenging night ahead, marked by exhaustion, uncertainty, and responsibility.Shared Experiences Among Parents
Many parents relate to the "sunset scaries" on social media, sharing similar feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, and dread that typically begin in the early evening.Why Evening is a Tough Time
The combination of exhaustion from the day’s tasks and the stress of nighttime parenting—such as frequent feedings, crying, or sleeplessness—can make evenings particularly difficult.Main Stressors
Parents may feel they are not meeting their baby’s needs, and this sense of failure is worsened by fatigue, household demands, and sleep deprivation.Strategies to Cope
Communicating feelings with a partner or trusted person can help, as well as identifying specific triggers like baby fussiness or anxiety about sleep. Prioritizing self-care, such as taking short breaks or adjusting expectations, can also be beneficial.Finding Support
Connecting with other parents can help combat feelings of isolation. Identifying the main sources of stress and addressing them, when possible, can lead to better coping strategies.When to Seek Professional Help
If feelings of anxiety persist or become overwhelming, seeking professional support may be necessary, especially if signs of postpartum depression or anxiety emerge.
