It’s a fairly new concept, but very real for many people. When we think of SAD, (Seasonal Affective Disorder) we think of winter depression. But, summer? I’m an odd (wo)man out on this one. I experience some SAD symptoms usually around February, however the second the heat is ON, I’m fighting feelings of unhappiness and even a little anger until Autumn.

First, I’ll share why, for relatability. Then, share my own medicine I forget to get out of the toolbox every time the mercury hits around 90*.

The why:

It’s beautiful outside! The flowers are in bloom everywhere. The sun is shining. The garden is going gangbusters! And I can only stand to be out for 15-20 minutes before I start to feel overheated and generally unwell. I’m aware this negative physical reaction is also a life saver. Heat stroke is all too real and can be deadly. So, I shuffle back into my air-conditioned house and stare at everything from the window. Oh, woe is me.

The medicine:

Focus on what you DO love about summer. I forget this when I’m too busy feeling sorry for myself to recognize the parts of the season I actually love.

  • All the beautiful flowers
  • The gardens and the fresh-from-the-backyard produce
  • The time outside on the deck with the family (especially when we grill dinner)
  • Rainy summer days on the front porch. Being warm enough to be outside and watch the rain fall is a wonderful experience.
  • Spending more time in the woods. It’s cooler because of the shade and being off-season for most hunting I don’t have to wear hunter’s orange for safety.
  • My house is roomier because all of my houseplants are outside!
  • Tropical Lilies
  • Garden is growing!
  • Bee balm & coneflowers
  • Shaded front porch
  • Path to the woods

According to the experts, the causes of Summer Depression are basically well-informed guesses. Everything from negative body image issues because of swimsuits to stress caused from expensive vacations. I’m not a psychiatrist, but I’m going with mindset on this one. Last winter, I read the book How to Winter, by Kari Leibowitz, PhD. The same lessons learned in dealing with winter depression apply to summer depression. Embrace the season for what it is, focus on the parts you love about it and find ways to go on, happily living.

Most mornings, it still gets down into the 60s or 70s here. Cool enough to sit on my shaded front porch and enjoy a few cups of coffee. If the mosquitos are already out, I fire up the Thermacell and away they go. I do my garden work early in the morning and later in the evening after the sun starts to go down.

By late afternoon, the deck is shaded and perfect for family gatherings. On the rare occasion it’s still too hot, I drag out the box fan- problem solved.

Autumn is my favorite season. Always has been and I expect it always will be. Until it gets here, I would only be making myself even more miserable by mentally living in the future and wishing for it.

Whether summer is or isn’t your favorite time of year, what is something you love about it? Please share in the comments section or on our social media pages.

Audrey L Elder

Meaningful Living