Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in Summer

Shared 6/26/24

Lana Del Rey has a song called Summertime Sadness. I remember the first time I heard it years ago, it was the first time I had heard summer acknowledged as a challenging time of year. When you think of it, summer is filled with stressors:  the “academic year” schedule is thrown to the wind with school aged children home, college aged children move back, the days are much longer, there’s social pressure to be out and about, smiling the whole time.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is most commonly associated with a winter onset, though for 10% of people with SAD it begins in summer. (Webmd.com) Expanding on stressors previously mentioned,  experts believe Summertime SAD happens due to: heat, changes to routines, pressure to appear to be having fun, seasonal allergies, body image stressors (the hotter it gets, the more we’re pressured to wear less), financial worries (expectation of a summer vacation). (Borland, Adam as cited on Cleveland Clinic, July 11, 2023), (Webmd.com, Sept. 2023).

Tips for treating SAD in Summer include the following, as shared by Adam Borland, PsyD for the Cleveland Clinic’s post:

  • Have a routine- keep your schedule as consistent as possible, especially our sleep schedule
  • Use a mood journal – track emotions and symptoms as they change throughout the summer
  • Stay cool- set some limits around the amount of time you spend outside in sunlight and heat, too much sun can have the opposite impact
  • know when to seek help – if it starts to effect your day to day work, relationships and/or you notice depression worsening, or staying longer Dr. Borland recommends talking with a healthcare provider

(Borland, Adam as cited on Cleveland Clinic, July 11, 2023).

Most importantly, if you find that summer is a challenging time for you, know that you’re not alone. Acknowledging when you need help is a strength.

Works Cited:

Griffin, R. Morgan. “Summer Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and Tips to Help.” Edited by Smitha Bhandari, WebMD, WebMD, 14 Sept. 2023, www.webmd.com/depression/summer-depression.

“Yes, You Can Get Sad in Summer.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 11 July 2023, health.clevelandclinic.org/summer-depression.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help.
988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call. Text. Chat.
In case of an emergency, always dial 911

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Shelby Wood
Manager of Volunteer Participation
CommunityCare of Lyme
Shelby@cclyme.org
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