By: Shawn English, with ChatGPT (-4.0), Open AI {https://openai.com}
In today’s society, summer is often viewed as a season completely filled with sunshine, outdoor activities, and endless joy.
Movies, advertisements, and social media all contribute to this portrayal of summer as the happiest time of the year. However, for many people, the reality doesn’t align with this image. Feeling depressed during the sunny summer months can be perplexing, especially when the expectation is that we should be at our happiest. Several factors can contribute to summertime depression, including biological, psychological, and social influences. Understanding these factors can help alleviate the guilt and confusion that often accompany this experience and provide a path toward addressing it.
Biological Factors
One of the biggest biological contributors to summertime depression is the disruption of the body’s natural circadian rhythms. Extended daylight hours can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation or poor-quality sleep. Melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep, is produced in response to darkness. Longer daylight hours can delay melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep at night and resulting in fatigue and irritability during the day.
Furthermore, individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are not only affected during the winter months. While winter SAD is more commonly recognized and associated with a lack of sunlight, there is a lesser-known form of SAD that occurs in the summer. Summer SAD is characterized by symptoms such as insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, and irritability. The exact cause of summer SAD is not well understood, but it is believed to be linked to the body’s response to excessive heat and light, as well as potential disruptions in serotonin levels.
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors also play a significant role in summertime depression. One of the factors is the pressure to conform to societal expectations of happiness and enjoyment during the summer months. Social media platforms are often flooded with images of friends and family enjoying vacations, beach outings, and other summertime activities. For those who may not be able to partake in these activities, the constant exposure to these images can lead to feelings of inadequacy and isolation. The fear of missing out can worsen these feelings, contributing to a sense of sadness and depression.
Social Factors
Social factors can also significantly influence mental health during the summer months. The expectation to socialize and participate in outdoor activities can be overwhelming for individuals who struggle with social anxiety or introversion. The pressure to attend parties, barbecues, and other gatherings can lead to feelings of stress and exhaustion, especially for those who find social interactions draining rather than energizing.
Additionally, summer can be a period of increased isolation for some people. College students may return home for the summer, leaving behind their social networks and support systems. Similarly, individuals who live in cities may find that their friends and acquaintances leave for vacations, leading to a sense of loneliness. The lack of socialization can create feelings of depression and make it more challenging to cope with negative emotions.
Coping Strategies
Understanding the nature of summertime depression is the first step toward addressing it. Several coping strategies can help reduce the impact of depression during the summer months.
Maintain a Routine:
Establishing a daily routine can provide structure and a sense of purpose. This can include setting regular sleep and wake times, planning meals, and scheduling activities that promote well-being, such as exercise and hobbies.
Prioritize Sleep:
Ensuring adequate sleep is crucial for mental health. Create a healthy sleeping environment by keeping the bedroom cool and dark, and consider using blackout curtains or a sleep mask to block out excess light.
Stay Hydrated:
Dehydration can worsen symptoms of depression and fatigue. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during hot weather.
Limit Social Media Exposure:
Reducing time spent on social media can help alleviate feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. Focus on real-life interactions and activities that bring genuine joy and fulfillment.
Seek Support:
Reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals for support. Talking about your feelings and experiences can provide relief and help you feel less isolated.
Engage in Enjoyable Activities:
Find activities that you genuinely enjoy and that align with your interests. This can include reading, gardening, hiking, and many other things.
Practice Mindfulness:
Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help manage stress and improve emotional well-being.
Consider Professional Help:
If depression persists or worsens, it may be beneficial to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapy and medication can be effective treatments for managing depression.
Feeling depressed during the sunny and summer months can be a bewildering and distressing experience, particularly when societal expectations suggest that this should be the happiest time of the year. However, understanding the factors that contribute to summertime depression can provide valuable insights and ways toward effective coping strategies.
Start Working With a Depression Therapist in Boulder, CO
By acknowledging and addressing these factors, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their mental health and find joy and fulfillment, regardless of the season. Our team of caring therapists is happy to provide support in the summer and all year round. Start your therapy journey with North Boulder Counseling by following these steps:
- Contact us to request an appointment.
- Learn more about our therapists
- Start coping with the symptoms of depression
Other Services Offered with North Boulder Counseling
Our team understands that you may experience multiple mental health concerns at one time. This is why we are happy to offer support for a variety of mental health issues with both in-person therapy and online therapy across the state. In addition to depression therapy, our team also offers anxiety treatment, play therapy, postpartum anxiety treatment, postpartum depression counseling, perinatal support, counseling for women, counseling for men, parenting coaching, grief counseling, trauma treatment and EMDR, depression treatment, teen therapy, and LGTBQ counseling. Please visit our blog or our about us page to learn more helpful information.
