The Postpartum Sundown Scaries Hit Home in Viral Video

Postpartum life can be overwhelming, and for many mothers, the challenges go far beyond what they imagined. For those navigating postpartum depression or anxiety—and even for others simply trying to survive those early months—the Sundown Scaries are all too real.

In a now-viral TikTok, podcaster and mom of two Cameron Rogers (@cameronoaksrogers) breaks down that creeping and all-consuming anxiety that can come with the sun simply going down each day. “Something I was not prepared for is the Sundown Scaries. That postpartum feeling of like, deep sadness and almost like agony and angst when the sun goes down,” she explained.

“I think a lot of it has to do with the marking of time, like, ‘Wait, another day has passed? What did I do today?’ And feeling like I didn’t do anything,” she added. “But also like when you have a fresh baby, the fear of like, what is the night about to hold? Because it’s hit or miss in the beginning.”

Rogers detailed that this one (of many) parts she wasn’t expecting with postpartum life, but she had since dedicated herself to finding ways to fight the Sundown Scaries. “I talked about this with my friend who was deeply in it…[she said] find something that brings you joy to do during that window. Going for a nice walk. Like. I love a post-dinner family walk so much,” she said. “Having a show that you really enjoy and watching it during that window of time. Or maybe that’s the time where your partner or someone is helping with the baby and you go take like a shower or time to yourself. Whatever it is, like finding something that helps you during that specific transition of the day. Because it can be pretty, jarring and overwhelming.”

In the comments, people empathized with Rogers and thanked her for putting a name to a feeling many had experienced. “I never heard anyone talk about this while pregnant and it SHOOK me freshly postpartum. Evening scaries were so real,” one commenter quipped. Another said, “6pm rolls around and suddenly I’m bawling.” Others commented on why the nighttime left them feeling sad and anxious: “I dreaded nighttime. I was anxious about it all day, knowing it was coming and then feeding my baby every 2 hours of darkness just feeling overwhelmed.” Another added: “Sundown scaries was the worst part for me, I was terrified of SIDS so nighttime equaled anxiety.”

Some in the comments provided their own solutions and shared what helped them through the sundown scaries. “I would watch Gilmore girls with my mom. I was breastfeeding and she would wake up every 2 hours to be with me.I will never forget those moments,” wrote one mother. “I felt so alone because I was awake all night with no one to sit with me. Friends who replied to texts late at night were so helpful,” another added.

If you are having difficulty with the nighttime transition during your postpartum period, know that you aren’t alone. Learn more about postpartum anxiety and discover ways to find support throughout your postpartum journey.