Summer is presented as the season of permanent happiness, between vacations, outings and social networks saturated with perfect moments. For part of the population, these bright months coincide with a drop in mood and an increase in anxiety, which the Cleveland Clinic describes as a form of depression linked to the hot season.
Psychiatrists talk about summer depression, an entity described by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). In an article in the German media Welt, a psychologist sums up this feeling: “In the summer, it feels like you have to be constantly active.” Knowing that this seasonal depression exists already helps you judge yourself less.
Summer depression: the pressure to be active in summer
For the Cleveland Clinic, the social pressure of summer plays a central role. Invitations that follow one another, social networks full of parties and the injunction to “enjoy”: those who do not follow this rhythm can quickly feel like they are out of step. Some people end up feeling excluded from the group and feel guilty about staying at home or not wanting to go out. This constant comparison feeds FOMO (fear of missing out), the fear of missing out. For some people, summer also revives body-related complexes, with lighter clothes and days at the beach or swimming pool, which can increase discomfort.
Summer depression: very specific summer symptoms
Summer seasonal depression is often manifested by insomnia, restlessness, irritability, loss of appetite and withdrawal from usual activities, rather than the sleepiness and increased appetite characteristic of the winter form. Long days can disrupt the circadian rhythm and the secretion of melatonin, a hormone involved in sleep, which can weaken physical and psychological balance.
Heat and humidity can make it more difficult to sleep and limit physical activity, both important factors for mood balance. People with a history of depression or bipolar disorder are also more vulnerable. As with any depression, suicidal thoughts or intense psychological distress require urgent consultation.
Summer depression: how to lighten summer without overworking yourself
To alleviate this period, it is recommended to protect sleep with regular schedules, a cooler bedroom and fewer screens in the evening, and to reduce the social load by selecting a few activities that you really want. Group therapy that helps plan simple summer-appropriate activities can also be life-saving. Speaking to a doctor or psychologist, and for loved ones listening without saying “go on, enjoy”, remains an essential gateway.