While summer is considered synonymous with carefree moments, relaxation, and holidays, there is a large group of people who struggle emotionally as summer approaches.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is not, in essence, a separate mood disorder; rather, it is a depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern (DSM-IV) and typically occurs with the onset of a season - most often winter. In some cases, however, seasonal depression appears in the summer.
Some of the factors that can contribute to summer seasonal depression include: biological changes associated with seasonal depression, disruption of daily routines due to holidays, low confidence regarding body image, financial difficulties and the inability to take vacations, and the heat.
In contrast to “winter” depression - where a person tends to experience low energy, sadness, and fatigue. People with “summer depression” often show the opposite symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, restlessness, sleep difficulties, and loss of appetite/weight.
We should not forget that summer is often linked to high, unrealistic expectations, with the hope that just a few days of vacation will be enough to fully relax and “reset” from an entire year’s difficulties. This alone can become a source of pressure. These high expectations for summer can also lead to intense feelings of frustration and inadequacy when they are not met. In addition, the images promoted on social media create an illusion of what someone’s summer “should” look like in order for them to have a good time. For many people - especially during the difficult times we are living through summer brings disappointment and sadness because they face financial difficulties and cannot go on vacation or do everything they would like. Finally, it’s important to remember that, for most people, summer is associated with holidays, carefree living, and good company. However, many people do not have close friendships or romantic relationships and go through a period of loneliness, which can lead to greater sadness during the summer months.
Some suggestions to improve your mood include exercising (if the temperature is too high for intense workouts, go swimming or find a well air-conditioned place to exercise). Try to follow a structured schedule. In the summer, you may suddenly feel like you have nothing to do at home, leaving your day unstructured, so set a simple routine for these different days - whatever the circumstances and try not to disrupt your sleep schedule by staying up until the early morning hours. Don’t constantly compare yourself to how well you think others are doing. Find things to do that genuinely keep you happy - not what is trendy or what you “should” do. Finally, make an effort to explore the reasons behind how you feel. There is usually a factor that triggers this depression (e.g., you may feel uncomfortable having to face all those “happy” people in the summer; you might recall a joyful summer with old friends or a painful breakup). In other words, you may unconsciously associate summer with certain events.
Remember: depression is what creates negative thoughts about yourself, the world, the future, and the people around you. Don’t accept negative thoughts as true.
If feelings of sadness or a loss of pleasure persist, it may be important to consider seeking professional help. Early treatment can prevent depression from becoming severe or chronic.
By Dimitra Georgogianni, Psychologist | 13/08/2020
