What comes to. mind when you hear the word "summer"? Close your eyes and see what is elicited in your senses. Smell of sunscreen, softness of your towel, the excitement of seeing a new place? Maybe. Or, maybe it's the ache of burnt skin, the discomfort of sticky popsicle fingers and a wet bathing suit, or the feeling of dread when pushed (or pushing) to go to camp?
Summer is often sold to us as this carefree season filled with sunshine, adventures, and lots of socializing. But, for some people, these long, hot days and the social pressures that come with them trigger feelings of anxiety, depression, lethargy, and even panic. You may have heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly referred to as SAD, that describes depression brought on by the change in seasons. While we typically associate SAD with the cold, dark days of winter, this reverse phenomenon can be just as real and debilitating as its more well-known winter counterparts.
Underneath the surface of summer's vibrancy lurks a humming pressure and expectation to be constantly "on". The pressure to be active, to travel, to create picture-perfect memories, can cast a long shadow, especially for those already grappling with anxieties or other limitations (finances, being out of routine, and social anxiety, for example). This relentless pressure to conform to an idealized summer experience when really all you might want to do is stay under the A/C with. a good book can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
After all, let's be real, summer is an objectively popular and widely liked season.
So, experiencing this disconnect between what you are feeling and yearning for versus what you are told you should be feeling and wanting, of course leads to emotions of alienation and a sense of feeling unheard or misunderstood – resulting in increased down, sad, withdrawn, and irritable moods.
Symptoms of SAD typically mimic those of traditional depression and anxiety. You might experience changes in appetite and sleep patterns, a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Feeling irritable, restless, or having difficulty controlling your emotions, too.
Here's the key:
Experiencing reverse SAD doesn't mean summer has to be a season of struggle. Just as with growing up and understanding that you don't need to take all of your childhood rules into your independent adulthood (ice cream before dinner, you say?), you can create your own versions of summer fun. So stay inside with that book, and think of other activities that live into your joy and values. By understanding SAD, how it presents for you, and prioritizing your well-being, you can still find joy in the season on your own terms. Embrace activities that keep you cool, align with your. innermost world, and don't be afraid to say no to social obligations that drain your energy. As you do this, you are forming your own SAD superpowers–avoiding the water but still making a splash.
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