Many people look forward to summer as a time for relaxation, vacations, cookouts, and long sunny days. But not everyone finds joy in the season’s arrival. If you find yourself dreading summer or feeling emotionally overwhelmed as temperatures rise, you may have a lesser-known form of seasonal affective disorder commonly called summer depression.
Depression doesn’t follow a calendar. Help is available if your mood takes a downward turn during these warmer months.
Understanding and Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder in Summer
Summer depression, also known as major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, is a type of seasonal affective disorder that occurs in the summer. While SAD most often occurs during fall and winter due to a lack of sunlight, some people experience a significant mood shift during summer instead.
This condition can feel particularly isolating because it’s so unexpected – everyone around you seems to be in a stress-free or celebratory mood, but you may feel emotionally disconnected, anxious, or even hopeless.
What Causes Summer Depression?
Researchers believe seasonal depression primarily stems from disruptions in circadian rhythm, the internal clock that controls sleep and mood. For most people, natural sunlight regulates serotonin (which affects mood) and melatonin (which governs sleep). But when something throws off this rhythm – either too little light in the winter or too much light in the summer – it can lead to emotional instability.
In summer, several environmental and lifestyle factors may contribute to depression.
- Longer daylight hours, which can interfere with sleep and leave you feeling exhausted during the day
- Heat and humidity, which can cause physical discomfort and increase irritability or anxiety
- Disrupted routines, including vacations, school breaks, or work changes that add stress or instability
- Social pressure, especially when others seem to be having a good time and you aren’t
Why You Might Feel Depressed in Summertime
Changes in your routine or lifestyle stressors can trigger or worsen depression. A history of mental health challenges can compound these feelings.
Some examples of summer-specific challenges include:
- Increased pressure to be visibly happy and carefree
- Body image issues, which may stem from feeling uncomfortable about wearing shorts, swimsuits, and sleeveless shirts
- Overwhelming responsibilities, such as managing child care while school is out
- Stress surrounding travel, especially if vacations interrupt your routine or cause financial strain
- Guilt about not enjoying the season as much as those around you
Avoiding Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
When trying to self-manage summer depression, some people unintentionally fall into damaging routines, such as:
- Binge eating out of boredom or emotional distress
- Spending excessive time on social media or video games
- Overspending as a form of escapism
- Misusing alcohol or drugs
- Neglecting sleep, nutrition, or exercise
These habits may offer short-term relief but often worsen depression in the long run. A qualified therapist can help you break these cycles and rebuild healthier habits.
Warning Signs of Summer Depression
If you’re experiencing summer depression, you may notice symptoms such as:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Irritability or unexplained anxiety
- Physical exhaustion despite rest
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Social withdrawal
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Don’t Let Summer Steal Your Peace
It may be time to seek professional help if your depressive symptoms last two weeks or more. To diagnose you with summer-pattern depression, a mental health provider will evaluate whether:
- You’ve had depressive episodes for at least two consecutive summers
- Your symptoms align with major depressive disorder
- Your low mood is consistently worse in summer than during other times of year
You don’t have to put on a happy face this summer if you’re struggling inside. Palm Springs Behavioral Health provides compassionate, individualized treatment for all forms of depression, including seasonal affective disorder. Our team can help you identify harmful thought patterns, manage stress, and build healthier coping strategies. Reach out today to learn more about our evidence-based mental health services.
