Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but for many people, the end of summer can mean an increase in feelings of depression. The post-summer blues can be a real challenge, whether it’s coming back to work after a few days of fun in the sun or a case of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
This article will explore what SAD is, how it affects people, and five ways to manage the symptoms of post-summer blues.
SAD can happen in Summer or Winter
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. Symptoms include fatigue, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings. The most common type of SAD is the winter blues, which occurs during winter.
The post-summer blues is a less common form of SAD that can occur after a long, hot summer. While the winter blues are thought to be caused by the lack of sunlight during the winter months, the cause of the post-summer blues is unknown.
People can also experience the symptoms of SAD during the summer. While the lack of sunlight and cooler weather trigger depression for some people, many others feel the same way when the weather turns hot and humid.
Summer seasonal affective disorder, also known as reverse SAD, affects approximately one percent of Americans. This type of disorder is related to SAD, which occurs in the winter but has very different symptoms. Winter SAD sufferers tend to feel wearier and gain weight, while summer SAD patients frequently lose their appetite and become irritable.
The mental health impacts of SAD
SAD can significantly impact mental well-being, making it difficult to function at work or school and enjoy favorite activities. While there is no cure for SAD, there are treatments that can help.
Some common treatments for seasonal affective disorder are light therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and antidepressant medication. There are also things that can be done at home and habits that can be implemented to manage the symptoms of SAD or the post-summer blues.
Five tips to beat the post-summer holiday blues
Plan an activity or event to look forward to
Trying something new can help people feel more engaged and motivated. Taking a cooking class, joining a book club, or starting a new hobby can help combat the symptoms of SAD.
Get organized and make a plan for the fall
Getting organized and having structure can help people feel less overwhelmed and motivate them to complete certain daily tasks.
Spend time with friends and family
Social interaction can help improve mood and reduce stress. Planning regular get-togethers with family and friends can help ward off feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Practice self-care
Indulging in self-care is important in maintaining good mental health. Spending time outdoors is a great method of self-care for SAD, as natural light can help improve mood and energy levels.
Exercise is also a good option for self-care, as exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
Eating a healthy diet is also important because eating nutritious foods helps the body to function at its best.
Seek professional help if needed
If symptoms are severe enough to affect daily functioning, it’s crucial to seek treatment with a mental health professional. Traditional therapy is very effective for treating SAD, and virtual reality (VR) therapy is another option that complements face-to-face therapy.
