Seven Tips for Coping with Summer Depression

I've heard it said that July is "the happiest month." Long lazy days, vacation time, and warm sunny weather lead many to regard summer as the feel-good time of the year.

But for a surprising number of people, summer is a time for mild to severe depression. Just as winter can cause seasonal affective disorder in many people, summertime can trigger a lesser known form of reverse seasonal affective disorder, called summer depression.

While I've never been diagnosed with depression, I have noticed that both the longest and the shortest days of the year are not my optimal time. During the height of both winter and summer, I sometime struggle with feelings of sadness, a lack of focus, insomnia, and other symptoms of depression that vary with the seasons.

Not only are my feelings of depression exacerbated by changes in weather and daylight, I also believe this may be a cultural issue. Winter is the time for seasonal celebrations and feelings of enforced holiday cheer. Summertime brings a feeling in our society that everyone should be on vacation, things should be carefree and breezy, and one endless party. Life is not always like that, and this can exacerbate feelings of depression for a sensitive person.

This article is not intended to treat or diagnose severe summer or winter depression (if you are depressed, please consult a qualified physician or mental health provider for evaluation and treatment of your symptoms.) If you experience summer depression, there are some creative ways to raise your spirits. Here are some tips for some self help in coping with the summertime blues.

Treasure mapping

This is a technique I had read about, so I tried it one winter when I experienced some sadness and symptoms of depression. I gathered a bunch of magazines and got some construction paper and a glue stick. I tore out all the photos that spoke to me in some way. I didn't censor myself; I just got absorbed in the task before me, which really helped distract me from my depression.