It is pretty common to hear the term “wintertime blues” considering the lack of sun, shorter days and longer nights, as well as the cold and bitter weather. Many people don’t consider the opposite end of the spectrum which includes “summertime sadness”. You’re probably thinking “it’s the summer – who can be sad with the sun out and shining?!” Many individuals experience emotional fluctuations that arise as the seasons change. For many, the impact of heat, societal expectations of spending time with family and friends, and even change in routine such as being out of school or longer work hours can impact changes in mood referred to as “summer sadness” (Gibbens, 2023).
“Summertime sadness” also known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is a mood disorder which occurs at the same time every year. For many, SAD occurs during the wintertime. For others, it’s during the summer (Fonte & Coutinho, 2021). Regardless of when an individual experiences these episodes, it is characterized by depression that occurs at the same time every year. The range of depressive episodes occur on a spectrum; ranging anywhere between mild, moderate, and severe (Nussbaumer-Streit et al., 2018). However a depressive episode is categorized, individuals generally feel a lack of motivation which impacts their social, professional, and personal lives (Nussbaumer-Streit et al., 2018).
It is important to seek out support from family, loved ones, and mental health professionals alike during times of “summertime sadness”. If you would like to speak to a professional counselor about sadness, negative self-talk, or other mental health related subjects, please feel free to contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 167th Street in Tinley Park, IL, 60477. Olive Branch provides both in person and telehealth sessions. We would be happy to be of service.
Written by:
Abrea Ramadan, B.A.
Master’s Counseling student
OBCA Office Assistant
References:
Nussbaumer-Streit, B., Pjrek, E., Kien, C. et al. (2018). Implementing prevention of seasonal affective disorder from patients’ and physicians’ perspectives – a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 18, 372. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1951-0
Fonte, A., & Coutinho, B. Seasonal sensitivity and psychiatric morbidity: Study about seasonal affective disorder. BMC Psychiatry 21, 317 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03313-z
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