No other season gets as much positive press as summer. School’s out, the weather is warm and people plan fun vacations and outings. For those who struggle with winter-related depression, the longer days and boost in Vitamin D are certainly welcome. But what does it mean if the summer doesn’t give you the excitement that it does for others? Does this mean there’s something wrong with you?
Not at all. Summer may be the most popular season, but it’s certainly not fun for everyone. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a mood disorder that occurs at the same time every year, usually in the winter. However some people suffer from SAD in the summer, and there are many reasons why.
At Breathe Life Healing Centers, we work with people who are battling different types of mental health disorders, including substance use, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. When listening to these stories, we can understand why summer makes certain individuals sad, nervous, or depressed. By seeking support, you can prevent relapse and enjoy a safe and healthy summer.
What Is Summer Depression?
Seasonal affective disorder affects 4 to 6 percent of the U.S. population. It typically causes depression in the fall and winter, but about 10 percent of people with SAD experience symptoms in the summer.
What makes summer a particularly difficult time to be unhappy is that you are supposed to be having a great time. In the winter, many people experience the winter blues, so you feel less alone. But summer is the season that everyone waits for, so when you feel different, it can make you feel more isolated.
The symptoms of summer depression are different from winter depression. Instead of feeling tired, sad, and sleepy, people with summer depression tend to feel the opposite. They’re often agitated, irritated, have trouble sleeping, and have a poor appetite.
Why Do Some People Get Depressed in the Summer?
If summer isn’t your happiest season, it helps to know why. Usually, one or more of these factors contribute to summer sadness:
Body Image Issues
Issues with body image can be a significant trigger, especially for those who struggle with eating disorders. With warmer temperatures, the layers of clothing peel away, leaving more body and skin exposed. For some people, the idea of wearing a swimsuit can create a lot of anxiety. Some people end up isolating themselves to avoid summer get-togethers.
If you feel yourself struggling with your body image, make sure that you talk to someone. A trusted friend or family member may be enough, but recognize your need for greater help. Treatment programs run through the summer months and can offer you support during this time.
Issues with body image can be a significant trigger, especially for those who struggle with eating disorders. With warmer temperatures, the layers of clothing peel away, leaving more body and skin exposed. For some people, the idea of wearing a swimsuit can create a lot of anxiety. Some people end up isolating themselves to avoid summer get-togethers.
If you feel yourself struggling with your body image, make sure that you talk to someone. A trusted friend or family member may be enough, but recognize your need for greater help. Treatment programs run through the summer months and can offer you support during this time.
Disrupted Schedules
Another factor that impacts many people in the summer is a change in schedule. Summer is meant to be more laid back, allowing people to take time off from work and school. But this can be problematic for a number of reasons.
First, if you are recovering from a substance use or eating disorder, any disruption to your schedule can cause you to relapse. You rely on a consistent routine to prevent boredom and promote self-care, including eating healthy, exercising daily, and sleeping at night.
Second, a disruption to your normal routine can cause anxiety. For example, maybe you have the kids home for the summer and you have to find ways to keep them busy. These added pressures can take a toll on your mental health.
To protect your recovery, make sure to maintain your same schedule. This will keep you on track with your recovery goals and prevent relapse.
Unrealistic Expectations
Whether it’s from social media or talking with friends, it’s easy to conjure images of what summer is supposed to look like – fun at the beach, swimming, barbecues, vacations, fireworks, festivals, etc. There are many ways to enjoy summer, even if it’s not the ‘typical’ summer that you have in mind.
Adjust your expectations and limit your time on social media. It’s OK if you prefer to spend all day binge-watching your favorite TV show as opposed to a day at the beach. As soon as you let these expectations go, it will be freeing. And remember, take social media with a grain of salt. People go out of their way to post their best lives – what you see is not necessarily reality.
How to Manage Summer Depression
If you have summer depression, it’s important to recognize it and get the support you need. Here are some ways that you can take control of your summer sadness.
- Get help. No matter what time of year it is, SAD can cause symptoms of depression. Depression can be very serious, so don’t ignore the symptoms. Talk to a doctor, therapist, or psychologist.
- Plan ahead. Summer depression comes at the same time every year, so you don’ have to be surprised. Plan ahead so that you can build a protective schedule. For example, can you take a week or two off work? Sign the kids up for camp?
- Practice good self-care. Continue following your normal routine. Eat healthy, balanced meals, sleep 7-9 hours at night, and exercise daily. Taking care of yourself makes it easier to fight depression.
- Surround yourself with positive people. Don’t isolate yourself. Spend time with supportive friends and family who make you feel good about yourself.
- Don’t overdo it. It’s OK to decline invitations or stay home on the 4th of July. You don’t need to put your mental health at risk just to live up to tradition. Make your own, new traditions!
- Have an escape plan. If you do choose to attend a barbecue or graduation party, have an escape plan in case you feel uncomfortable. Driving yourself also gives you the option to leave when you want.
Breathe Life Healing Centers in Los Angeles, CA offers various levels of care to those who are struggling with mental health and substance use problems. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery. We recognize that summer can be a challenging time, and we are here to make this season easier!
