The Summer Blues

While most people relate seasonal affective disorder with the dark days of winter, summer time can also trigger this disorder. In fact, for many people, the summer months are the most difficult: 10 percent of those diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder suffer symptoms at the brightest time of the year. The summer’s brutal heat, bright light, and long days can contribute to depression for the opposite reasons that the winter does. Like typical SAD, the change of light can affect a person’s circadian rhythm, which may disturb overall health and sleep patterns.

Symptoms can include:

● Sluggishness

● Low energy

● Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

● Changes in appetite and sleep

● Difficulty concentrating

But you don’t need to suffer from summer SAD and miss out on enjoying these months. Here are some ways to accept and manage these feelings:

1) Self-talk: Find and use a mantra that will turn the volume down on the negativity. For example, shifting from “I feel so depressed” to “this feeling will pass” can influence your mood.

2) Physical activity: While going to the gym and working out can really boost your mood, even a 10-minute walk can improve your mood.

3) Connect: Even though this may be the last thing you want to do, it is one of the most important. Whether it is connecting with a friend or an activity, you once enjoyed, getting a distraction from focusing on your inner state can bring relief.

Click here to find out more about Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you find that you are still struggling with these feelings, schedule an appointment with one of our therapists.