Summer depression: What is it?

Do you experience depression during the summer? Do you wish that you could enjoy summer, just like everyone else?

Unfortunately, sunny days and warm weather isn’t a happy time for everyone. Some people can experience summer depression – even during those long days. 

While we have all heard of seasonal depression during the winter, seasonal depression can occur during any season.

The rest of this article will cover what seasonal depression is, and how to get over summer depression.

Can I have seasonal depression in the summer?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) tends to happen when the seasons change. While it happens less when the weather starts to get warm, it is possible for people to be affected by SAD syndrome in summer. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a specific reason as to why seasonal depression can happen. But there are several contributing factors. 

For example, changes in our serotonin or melatonin levels. This can affect our mood and therefore bring about summer depression.

What’s more, family history can also come into play. People who suffer from summer depression may have relatives who suffer from something similar. 

People who also suffer from major depression or live far from the equator are also likely to experience summer depression. 

There are ways to tell if someone is suffering from summer depression.

These include: 

• Feeling depressed or manic for most of the day
• Feeling drained
• Losing interest in hobbies or passions
• Sleeping too little or too much 
• Changes in appetite or weight 
• Having difficulty performing basic tasks

How to get over summer depression

You can consider psychotherapy as a way to treat summer SAD. Whether you choose CBT or other mindfulness therapies, therapy can be extremely helpful with changing your negative thoughts or behaviours. You can also take on healthy coping mechanisms and ways to manage your depression for the future.

You can also engage in mindfulness activities. For example, meditating is useful with tuning into yourself. Through breathing in and out, you can allow those pesky thoughts that bring you down to flow in and out. 

Exercising, whether that’s going for a stretch or hitting the weights, is also a useful way to overcome your summer depression. Getting those endorphins flowing and the feeling of accomplishment might be just what you need!

What is also important when overcoming summer depression is a support system. Socialising with friends or family is always worthwhile! They can be a shoulder to cry on, someone to laugh with or act as a distraction.

While this may not be possible for everyone, something you can also take a holiday. Go somewhere cooler to treat your summer SAD. 

Summer depression is a type of depression that people do experience. Sadly, it can feel incredibly isolating. Especially when you see other people enjoying the weather. This is why you may find it useful to talk to a licensed professional about your struggles – for example, with CBT.

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