Summers are typically portrayed as sunny, pleasant and cheerful
seasons, which is why you might be facing summer depression and not even know
it. We’re all prone to moods, especially during the hot summer months. However,
low spirits for a prolonged period necessitate action as summer depression is
real, especially with the temperature soaring day by day.

What is summer depression?

Summer depression, a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is 
common in India and other countries close to the equator. Contrary to
assumptions that only  winter or monsoon are likely to produce SAD, even
summer can lead people to experience depression-like moods. Summer depression,
unlike clinical depression, does not occur throughout the year; rather, it
occurs only during the summer season, as the name implies, making it more
likely to go undiagnosed.

Also read: Can magic mushrooms treat depression? Here’s what studies say

Signs you have summer depression

You may not immediately be able to recognize summer depression as
summers are always colored as a time when people are happy. So, if you find
yourself unusually grumpy and bothered, while others are having fun basking in
the sun, sipping on cold drinks or enjoying an afternoon nap, you might want to
look out for the following symptoms:

  • Nervousness/Anxiety
  • Feelings of sorrow and depression for most of the time
  • Cravings for carbohydrate-rich food and significant weight gain
  • Exhaustion and a total lack of energy
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Loss of interest in normally rewarding activities, including
    social withdrawal
  • Feeling annoyed or irritated most of the day
  • Heaviness in the arms and legs
  • Disturbed sleep and/or oversleeping
  • Suicidal thoughts

Also read: Signs of stress to look out for in your body

Causes of summer depression

Summer depression is a fairly common condition that can affect
anyone at any time. Factors such as your lifestyle, eating habits and family
history of mental illness may play a role in inducing it.  That’s not all,
though. Even body image issues can contribute to summer sadness, especially as
layers of clothes come off  and people are more out and about in the
summer. This is the time when individuals tend to become more concerned about
their body image. Summer depression can also be caused by financial issues.
Let’s be honest, summers are pricey. Travel plans, increased A/C usage
and  children staying home during school vacations  can lead to a
rise in expenses and stress as well.

As you can see, summer depression can be triggered by any factor
‘under the sun’, some of which may require professional assistance.

Also read: 10 simple ways to take care of your mental health

How to cope with summer depression?

While the techniques for coping with summer depression depend on
the underlying issues causing it, some tips are common for all.

Sleep well

Nothing beats an adequate sleep of eight hours a day. However, in
today’s day and age, that seems like a luxury. So make sure you plan your day
accordingly and get a good amount of sleep for a well-rested mind and body.

Also read: Trouble sleeping? Yoga to the rescue again

Practise meditation

A restless mind can be calmed with simple yet deep
meditation. Sitting in a quiet space, closing your eyes and tuning everything
out goes a long way in clearing your mind. You can also try other relaxation
techniques other than yoga, like listening to soft music, taking a walk in nature or reading a
happy book or spending time with kids and pets.

Have a healthy diet

Eating junk, oily or heavy food, eating items that are high in
carbohydrates and fats can make your body lethargic, and also make it spend
more energy to digest all that food. Inculcate protein-rich foods in your diet.
You can also substitute that bag of potato chips with a green salad.

Follow a strict routine

Sometimes, you may not feel like doing anything owing to heat and
humidity. But planning a routine and following it  will make sure that you
feel good at the end of the day, for not postponing something and accomplishing
what was on your to-do-list. Also include screen-time in this routine. Ensure
that you do not spend too much time on social media, and especially not before
bed, as it can disturb your mind as well as your sleep cycle.

Seek professional help

Last but not least, if nothing seems to work for you, and you
feel  overwhelmed, do not hesitate to visit a doctor as there is nothing
better than taking assistance from a professional.