‘Summertime Blues’ is really a thing

12 Jun 2021 by Ted Escobedo 2 min read

When it comes to imagining summertime, our visions seem to revolve around outdoor fun, fresh fruits, picnics and swimming pools. Well, not for everyone. For some people, the stress of summer can pile up and make them feel miserable.

Why do some people feel more depressed in summer? Here’s a rundown of reasons.

• The heat. Lots of people relish the heat of summer. But for the people who don’t, summer heat can become truly oppressive. You may start spending every afternoon hiding out in your air-conditioned bedroom, binge watching TV until your eyes ache. You may begin to skip your usual before-dinner walks because of the heat. You may rely on unhealthy takeout because it’s just too stifling to cook. Any of these things can contribute to summer depression.

While these conditions are not necessarily alarming, by simply understanding them you can better deal with these emotions. If you do feel that your depression is serious, it is best to consult your physician.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/depression/summer-depression

Summertime SAD. You’ve probably heard about seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, which affects about 4% to 6% of the U.S. population. SAD typically causes depression as the days get shorter and colder. But about 10% of people with SAD get it in the reverse -- the onset of summer triggers their depression symptoms.

Disrupted schedules in summer. If you’ve had depression before, you probably know that having a reliable routine is often key to staving off symptoms. But during the summer, routine goes out the window – and that disruption can be stressful. Children staying home from school or college, vacations looming, extended afternoons all disrupt our ‘normal’ schedule and may cause some people to stress.

Body image issues. As the temperature climbs and the layers of clothing fall away, a lot of people feel terribly self-conscious about their bodies. Feeling embarrassed in shorts or a bathing suit can make life awkward, not to mention hot. Since so many summertime gatherings revolve around beaches and pools, some people start avoiding social situations out of embarrassment.

Tags:
Emotional Health

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