Summer Blues

Now that we’re well into July, the heat is on and summer activities have kicked into high gear. At Language of Friendship, we’ve done our best to make the most of the warmer weather and get outdoors. Julia and I always look forward to this time of year and plan ahead for it. Because we live in colder climates, as soon as the days start getting longer and warmer, we begin spending more time at beaches, mountains, parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

This year has been no exception. We’ve been giving our hiking boots, bikes and bathing suits some serious wear and tear.

‘Cause a lit bit of summer’s what the whole year’s all about…

John Mayer

Although we’ve been enjoying all of this and more, no time of the year is immune from the normal ups and downs that life can surprise us with. We’ve suffered setbacks and losses during these past few months, and it can feel doubly wounding to feel low during summer when everyone else seems to be living their happiest lives in a sunny, dreamy vacationland. These songs sung by Lana Del Rey, Zach Bryan, Eddie Cochran, and Billie Holiday seem to capture some of these melancholy feelings well.

About 1% of Americans, or well over 3 million people, actually suffer from a reverse form of Seasonal Affective Disorder that manifests during the summer months. But even if you don’t suffer from that particular struggle, the heat and longer periods of daylight can affect mood, appetite, exercise routines and sleep patterns–all of which have distinct effects on our mental health and wellbeing. Schedule changes, body image issues and financial worries can also play a role.

So, what can we do to bring ourselves out of it? First off, reach out to someone you trust. Sometimes simply connecting with or confiding in a friend, family member, loved one, or trusted professional (such as your doctor or therapist) can help guide you in the right direction. If more professional intervention is required, further resources are listed below.

Second, make sure you are attending to your mental and physical needs. Sleep, exercise and a healthy diet can go a long way toward making us feel better. Appropriate hydration is also always important, but even more so in warmer weather.

Third, plan and engage in activities you enjoy, while letting go of some of your less intriguing social obligations. If your calendar is too full of events that make you feel overwhelmed, pick and choose your attendance carefully.

Finally, even though it may seem like everyone else on earth is off basking in the waves of a gorgeous beach, it’s important to understand you’re not alone, and that resources are available to help you. The CDC recently published statistics estimating the number of depressed adults in the United States as more than 18.5% of the population in 2020, with the highest levels of depression found in the 18-to-24-year-old range and the lowest levels in the 65-and-older category. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, please call the MentalHealthHotline.org, 988, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.