Summer and Depression

Nathaley Stimphil, MFT Student

Source: William Fortunato / Pexels

Summertime is coming!

-          How’s that summer body looking?

-          Are you traveling this summer?

-          Are you experiencing FOMO?

-          Will you get to spend time with friends?

-          Do you have enough PTO?

These are just some things to think about as we are close to entering the season of summer.

When you think of summer what is the first thing that comes to mind? I know for me it’s usually beach trips, school is out, BBQs, vacation, cruising with the windows down on a sunny day, the Sun, my birthday… the list can go on. But what about those who have a tough time navigating through the summer? Those individuals who may have lost someone in the summertime, experienced something traumatic, or maybe someone who may not have access to the outdoors because they may be bedridden?... gives you something to think about.

Depression is common and causes extreme sadness on a day-to-day level which could also potentially lead to mental and physical health declines in oneself. What we are looking at here is referred to as summertime depression which is also known as seasonal depression. Seasonal depression aka SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is a type of depression that is linked to the changes within the seasons. Summertime depression is actually less common than that of winter depression and studies have shown that only 10% of people who experience seasonal depression experience it in the summer than in winter or spring.

Some symptoms of seasonal depression can include:

-          Low energy

-          Weight gain

-          Lack of appetite

-          Lack of interest in activities once loved.

-          Trouble sleeping

-          Anxiety

-          Irritability

-          Hopelessness

Some of the things associated with summer and depression are:

-          Negative body image

-          Financial troubles

-          Schedule disruptions

-          Health concerns

-          FOMO (fear of missing out)

There are so many good things associated with summer and summer is known for “fun in the Sun”. Along with that it is very important that during the summer that people stay cool and hydrated. If you aren’t staying cool, you are more prone to irritability. Also, to consider, where one is located especially when it comes to being outdoors in the summertime. I spent most of my adolescent years in Philadelphia, PA and while summer is my favorite season, summer in Philadelphia is not a time that some may be looking forward to. Over the past several years, summer in Philadelphia has become one of those seasons where excessive heat may be correlated to many fatalities, as homicides tend to increase rapidly during those summer months. This can cause anxiety and stress which are contributing factors for depression.

While getting some direct sunlight can relieve those symptoms of depression and boost your mood because the sun is a natural source of vitamin D, it can also be a barrier to those living in these areas and cause them to remain indoors, in fear, and depressed. The lack of sunlight causes a negative effect on the mental state of a person. A study back in 2009 proved that the lack of sunlight increased the risk of cognitive impairments among people with depression.

If you are feeling depressed in the summer or any time of the year, I recommend you do not bottle those feelings and emotions in, seek a mental health professional! And most importantly get some Sun. 

Here are some helpful tips for dealing with summertime depression:

-          Limit social media

-          Get some sunlight

-          Eat a balanced diet

-          Practice good hygiene

-          Acknowledge your feelings

-          Get out of the house

-          Stay cool

-          Talk to a therapist

-          Plan a trip

As always, we’d like to be clear that this blog post isn’t intended as professional counseling or clinical advice. If you need support, please consider speaking to a professional to be evaluated.

If suicidal thoughts are present, call 911 immediately or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room if you are worried about yourself or a loved one taking their own life.

At Comfort Counseling Center, we provide Depression Counseling, Stress Management Therapy through online counseling for black Christian professionals and entrepreneurs across the state of Texas and Massachusetts.

You are welcome to explore our counseling services or contact us to schedule a 30-minute consultation to see if we might be able to support you as you journey forward. Please read our Frequently Asked Questions before your consultation.