Summertime Sadness

You’ve heard of winter blues, but did you know some people experience SAD in the summer?

Summertime depression—also known as reverse seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—is thought to affect some two to three percent of Canadians. According to researchers, those who experience summertime depression face the added pressure to ignore and mask their symptoms because of the assumption that everyone loves the summer. 

So what causes summertime sadness, and how can those affected go from having a cruel summer to a cool summer?

6 Summer Sadness Stressors

1.    Oppressive heat and humidity 
2.    Disruption to regular schedule and routine, juggling childcare and work schedules
3.    Inability to take time off because of work schedules and/or limited finances 
4.    Poor sleep habits due to longer days
5.    Disappointment when our expectations don’t live up to the reality
6.    Experiencing social media envy when others seem to be having a better season than you
 

5 Ways to Cope When Summer Is Cruel

1.    Prioritize sleep and ensure your space is dark and cool.
2.    Follow a schedule as much as you can.
3.    Maintain a healthy eating and exercise plan to boost your mood and improve sleep.
4.    Get outside before the heat and humidity become crushing—in the early morning or after the sun sets.
5.    Plan a fun outing or two with your friends and coworkers.

Sources: betterhelp.org, camh.ca