When, in 2012, the well known singer Lana Del Rey released the song "Summertime Sadness", many people wondered how this season could be associated, even through art, with negative emotions. Especially in Greece, summer is often linked with peak months, when people from all over the world come to enjoy their holidays. Sunshine, the sea, fun moments, and days of rest usually lift our mood and boost morale. For some people, however, summer brings difficult emotions and negative thoughts that can trigger depressive symptoms, and we do not always recognize them easily. This discomfort is often intensified by one more idea: summer is the season that everyone is supposed to enjoy.
What is Seasonal Depression?
Mood changes that follow the seasons are a phenomenon clinically described as Seasonal Depression, Depression with a Seasonal Pattern, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It is a specific form of depression where symptoms recur during particular periods of the year, either gradually or all at once, affecting mood, behavior, appetite, and sleep. It is significantly more common in women, about 70 percent compared to men, and it typically appears between the ages of 25 and 35, and more rarely in children and adolescents.
Seasonal Depression is commonly associated with the type of depression that appears during the winter months, especially around the holidays. Winter blues are the most common form and are linked with reduced vitamin D production due to limited sunlight. However, seasonal sadness is not only a winter issue. It can also appear in the summer months in roughly 10 percent of those affected.
The summer form of seasonal depression has been studied far less than the winter form, and even in the literature it is not always separated clearly. Still, it is considered a distinct clinical entity, as noted by Dr Ian A. Cook, director of a depression research program at UCLA. Summer depression usually begins toward the end of spring and eases as winter begins.
The main symptoms include sadness, anxiety, and irritability, while insomnia, overstimulation, reduced appetite, weight loss, and social withdrawal may also occur.
What causes summer depression?
Climate changes: Seasonal shifts can affect mood. Extreme heat is unpleasant for many people, making daily life feel stifling and increasing psychological and physical strain. Heat combined with humidity can also cause sluggishness, which can lower mood.
Disrupted routine and lack of sleep: Summer often brings major changes in habits. When a well structured routine is disrupted, it can create stress and pressure because the person struggles to adapt to a new schedule. Also, increased daylight can disturb the sleep cycle, and the body may end up getting fewer hours of rest. Lack of sleep can contribute to depressive symptoms.
Higher expectations: Summer is the season many people wait for all year, making plans for activities and holidays. There can be pressure, from others and from oneself, to match the "expected" cheerful mood. If plans fall through and disappointment follows, the heavy feeling can grow, especially when someone thinks about the difficult winter that may come next.
Body image concerns: In summer, our bodies are more visible, especially at the beach. This visibility can bring worries about appearance to the surface, which may lead someone to avoid social situations and exposure.
Financial pressure: Expenses often rise during summer due to travel and social obligations. For some professions, summer can also mean lower income. As a result, many people feel stress and worry about whether they can cover their needs.
Social media: Since social media is part of everyday life, we constantly "witness" other peoples routines. Carefree holiday posts can remind those who are less "lucky" that they are still working or cannot afford to travel. This can increase irritation and intensify depressive symptoms.
How can we protect ourselves from summer depression?
It is important to recognize the signs of seasonal depression and take them seriously. Even though summer depression is less common, it can still be equally threatening to mental health. Using free time for new activities, exercising, and keeping a balanced schedule with enough sleep can help during the summer months. If symptoms persist and summer feels hard to manage, it is important to seek support from a professional. With the right treatment, seasonal depression can be addressed before it develops into a more severe form of depression.
Read more: The causes and forms of depression
By Maria Danae Gelleris, psychologist | 15/03/2020
