How to Tackle Summer Depression

In this article, Lillianne Cook talks about the warning signs of seasonal depression and how to deal with it.

How to tackle summer depression

By Lillianne Cook

Late night drives, sneaking out with friends, and going for a swim in the blush of the dawn–all of these actions fail to fully encapsulate the essence of summer. For just three months a year, you get to be someone else-- a freer, more wild version of yourself. The weight of school is lifted off your shoulders and you feel ready to take on the world. The only problem occupying your mind might be wondering what to do with your newfound freedom, or when you next get to see your friends. But as it goes on, it can get difficult. Seasonal depression is a very real illness, and one to watch out for this summer.

Summer is bittersweet. The beginning weeks can feel euphoric, in a way, and yet, as the days go on, they serve as a reminder of how temporary it is. You are forced to find small ways to occupy your time, or start a hobby that eventually becomes dull and unrewarding. You haven’t seen your friends in weeks, and you start to spend more time asleep than awake. Seasonal depression occurs most in January and February, but the term “summertime sadness” has gained popularity online. The lack of social interaction in summer, paired with the shift in schedule, can cause stress and lack of sleep, two factors that are directly related to feelings of depression. There is also a certain amount of social pressure linked to summer. Many experience feelings of missing out (FOMO) or regret their own lives when seeing others spend their summer more productively.

The feeling of summer, photo credits to Fine Art America

The sun, photo credits to iStock

Fighting off depression can be difficult, especially in summer, when it is a challenge to keep yourself occupied with healthy activities. However, instead of bottling up how you feel by binge-watching TV, try facing your issues head-on and processing them in a healthy way. Even being out in the sun can boost your mood. NIH states, “Appropriate enhancement of sunlight exposure will be beneficial to mental health.” Additionally, sunlight increases the production of vitamin D and helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality. You don’t have to do a huge workout or run. Just basking in the sunlight and working on your tan is good for you.

Sometimes, helping yourself is not enough, though. If you are a person who tends to get summer depression, or someone prone to mental health issues in general, it may be worth it to start planning in advance. Seeing a counselor, journaling, or using art as a creative outlet can help you get through your emotions more easily. In fact, journaling is highly recommended for anyone at any time. In an article, Help Guide says, "In studies on journaling, participants seem to reap both physical and mental health benefits, such as a boost in mood, reduced feelings of distress, and improved immune function. Journaling may help to enhance well-being in several different ways.” Help, whether sought from yourself or through a professional, is available, and needs to be taken advantage of. Please reach out for help if all hope feels totally lost, or if you have any thoughts of self-harm or suicide; people are here for you, and your presence makes the world a better place.

Seasonal depression is a very real and serious disorder. While it occurs to people mostly in the fall and winter, many people are affected by the “summertime blues.” As long as you recognize the warning signs of a dip in your mental health, it can usually be tackled easily. Summer is a beautiful time of the year, and it is a shame to have to waste it on being too depressed to get out of bed every day. The sun is shining, and as long as you follow the light at the end of the tunnel, everything will be okay shortly.

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