Lisbon in summer is alive with colour, movement and connection. From long evenings by the river to spontaneous weekend getaways, it's a season full of light and social energy. For many expats, summer provides a temporary cushion - a flurry of activity that helps ease the challenges of living abroad. However, when September arrives and the city slows down, a different emotional landscape can emerge: one marked by solitude, stillness and, sometimes, loneliness.

If you’re an English speaker living in Lisbon and finding yourself struggling emotionally as the seasons shift, you’re not alone. As a counsellor in Lisbon for English speakers, I regularly support individuals who feel the subtle weight of this transitional period and the emotional turbulence it can bring.

Why Does September Feel So Lonely?

While Lisbon doesn’t experience a dramatic climate shift in September, the social rhythm of the city changes noticeably. Summer visitors head home, locals return to work or study and the city’s slower, more structured pace resumes. After the high of social stimulation, many foreigners in the city are left with a sense of emotional withdrawal - much like a “comedown” from connection.

Common experiences include:

• Friends made during the summer leaving the country
• A reduction in outdoor gatherings and events
• The return of routine exposing deeper feelings of isolation
• A reminder that “home” is still far away

This drop in connection can be especially difficult if you’re new to Lisbon or haven’t yet built a consistent support network.

Signs You Might Be Struggling with End-of-Summer Loneliness

Everyone feels lonely from time to time, but persistent or unacknowledged loneliness can lead to mental health challenges. Here are a few signs to watch for:

• A sense of emotional disconnection, even when around others
• Withdrawal from social opportunities due to low mood or anxiety
• Sleep or appetite changes
• Feeling “stuck” between cultures, languages, or identities
• Difficulty motivating yourself to explore or engage with your surroundings

These are natural initial responses to dislocation and change but, when they start to get in the way of day-to-day life, they’re worth looking into more seriously.

What Can Help?

1. Acknowledge the Feeling

The first step is giving yourself permission to feel what you're feeling. Loneliness isn’t a weakness or something to be ashamed of. It's part of the human experience, especially when living abroad. Recognising it can actually reduce its intensity.

2. Seek Out Deeper, Slower Connections

Instead of chasing the social buzz of summer, consider investing in more intentional relationships. Attend local language exchanges, support groups, or regular meet-ups. Lisbon has many communities designed specifically for foreigners, expats, remote workers and creatives.

3. Create Anchor Points in Your Week

Establish routines that give your days shape - morning walks along the Tejo, a regular visit to a favourite café, or journalling in a quiet miradouro. Predictability helps regulate the nervous system, especially during emotional lows.

4. Reach Out for Support

Counselling can be an essential lifeline during transitional moments. As a counsellor in Lisbon for English speakers, I work with individuals navigating the complex emotions that come with relocation, identity shifts and seasonal change. Therapy provides a confidential, non-judgemental space to explore your experience, gain tools to cope and reconnect with your sense of self.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

September might feel quieter, but that doesn’t mean you have to retreat into isolation. This can be a season of reflection, grounding and growth - especially if you allow yourself to seek support and connection in new ways.

Whether you're newly arrived or have been in Lisbon for years, your loneliness is valid - and very real. But it doesn’t have to define your experience. Help is available and you deserve to feel supported as you build a life here.

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I offer online and in-person sessions tailored to international residents navigating emotional challenges. You don’t have to wait until things get worse - reach out today and take a step towards connection and clarity.

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*The information provided in this blog post is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical or mental health professional advice. If you are struggling with any of the issues described in this post, please seek appropriate personalised help from a qualified mental health professional.

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Sources:

American Psychological Association, The Risks of Social Isolation. Available at: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation

Mind UK, Loneliness and Mental Health. Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/about-loneliness/