The Psychology of Letting Go
- Talisa Haskins
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
What Autumn Can Teach Us About Mental Health
Written by Talisa Haskins
As the air cools and the leaves begin to change, autumn offers us a quiet reminder: letting go is a natural, even necessary, part of life. Trees don’t cling to their leaves—they release them, making space for the stillness of winter and the renewal of spring. In many ways, we can take inspiration from this seasonal rhythm in our own mental health journeys.
Why Letting Go Feels So Hard
For many of us, holding on feels safer than releasing. We cling to old habits, relationships, expectations, or patterns of thought—even when they no longer serve us—because the familiar can feel comforting. Psychologists suggest that this resistance often comes from fear of the unknown, grief over what we’re leaving behind, or the belief that letting go equals failure.
Yet, just as trees shed their leaves without fear of emptiness, we too can learn that releasing does not mean losing—it means creating space.
The Mental Health Benefits of Letting Go
Letting go is not about giving up. It’s about recognizing what no longer nourishes us and making room for new growth. Research in psychology and mindfulness practices suggests that letting go can:
Reduce stress by lightening emotional and mental load.
Improve resilience by helping us adapt to change.
Strengthen relationships when we release grudges or unrealistic expectations.
Encourage growth by creating space for healthier patterns and perspectives.
Lessons from Autumn
Nature models a few key lessons for us during this season:
Change is inevitable. Just as leaves will always turn and fall, change is part of life. Embracing it rather than resisting it can ease the transition.
Rest is essential. Autumn prepares the ground for winter’s stillness. Taking time for rest is not laziness—it’s a vital part of healing and renewal.
Letting go is an act of trust. Trees trust that new leaves will grow again in spring. We, too, can trust that when we release, something new will eventually take root.
How to Practice Letting Go This Season
Reflect: Journal about what feels heavy, outdated, or no longer serving you.
Release rituals: Try a symbolic act, like writing something down and tearing up the paper, to mark the release.
Prioritize rest: Give yourself permission to slow down—extra sleep, cozy evenings, or simply doing less.
Seek support: Therapy can be a safe space to process what you’re ready to release and to explore what growth might come next.
Final Thoughts
Autumn teaches us that beauty can be found in release. By letting go of what no longer nourishes us, we prepare ourselves for renewal, resilience, and growth. As you notice the falling leaves this season, consider what they might be inviting you to release in your own life.
At The Journey Counselling and Psychotherapy, our therapists are here to walk alongside you in that process—helping you let go of what’s weighing you down, and supporting you in creating space for healing, rest, and new beginnings. If this season has you reflecting on what you’re ready to release, we’d be honoured to support you.
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Explore our therapists and find your perfect match today!
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