Summer Depression Is Real: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Cope

We’ve all heard about winter depression caused by the short days, darkness, and stormy weather. Did you know that there are also individuals who struggle through the summer? Following are the most common reasons:

1. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

This is the clinical name for winter depression, but it applies to summer too. While most people with SAD (4–6% of the U.S. population) experience it in winter, about 10% develop depression during the summer. The likely culprits are rising heat and humidity. In countries closer to the equator, summer depression is more common than winter depression. Symptoms can include insomnia, weight loss, and anxiety.

2. Disrupted Routine

One of the most common recommendations for managing depression is to stick to a stable daily routine. Summer often throws that routine out the window. For many, this lack of structure, due to school vacations or irregular work, sleep, and eating schedules, creates stress that can lead to depression.

3. Financial Stress

Did we mention school vacation? Summer often brings increased expenses, especially for parents of school-aged children, for camps, trips, outings, and activities. This financial pressure can lead to anxiety and depressive moods.

4. Extreme Heat

It’s no surprise that someone without air conditioning might feel depressed during a scorching summer, but even those with AC are at risk. This is because many isolate indoors, avoiding physical activity, nature, or even cooking, all of which can contribute to depressive symptoms over time.

If you’ve experienced depression during summer, ask yourself if any of these reasons sound familiar. Perhaps a few small changes can help protect you this year, by planning ahead, changing the way you take vacations, or getting more support.

Even if you know your depression is “just weather-related” and will fade with the fall breeze, you don’t need to suffer in silence. Experts warn that even short-term depression can feel overwhelming. Try improving your environment with consistent sleep, regular exercise, and less screen time, but if that’s not sufficient, don’t hesitate to ask for help!