The summer months can bring the invitation to live easily and enjoy the long, sundrenched days it brings. With changes in routines and school out for the summer, students and families can enjoy having more time for leisure and relaxation. However, people are not immune to mental health challenges during this time. Physical and mental stressors such as response to heat, body image, substance issues, shifts in routines, and social pressures can all lead to increased distress. This blog will identify and explore different mental health struggles that are more likely to pop up during the dog days of summer.
1. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
While people often associate Seasonal Affective Disorder with the winter months, it can also impact people during the summer months. The summer pattern of SAD may be accompanied by symptoms different from those of winter. During the summer, SAD symptoms include:
Insomnia
Changes in routine and increase in heat can lead to sleep disturbances
Decreased appetite
Decreased level of appetite can also result in unintentional weight loss
Increased anxiety
Can be rooted in physiological or psychological origins
2. Heat-related Irritability and Aggression
In addition to the rising temperatures, irritability can also be at an all-time high during the summer months. When someone is not physically comfortable, it can become more challenging to maintain emotional regulation. The discomfort from excessive heat can exacerbate anger, potentially leading to:
Short temper
A decreased capacity to tolerate stressors and frustration can result in an increase in arguments or conflicts with loved ones
Generalized negative state
Feelings of anger, frustration, irritability, and annoyance may become more commonplace during the summer months
3. Disrupted Routines
People (especially children) thrive with consistent, predictable routines. With school out for the summer, individuals and families may notice that the change in (or absence of) a routine impacts moods and habits. Some accompanying symptoms of a change in routine are:
Increased anxiety
Sometimes the absence of a schedule can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm
Difficulty managing time
Struggles with maintaining healthy habits
With more freedom in daily structure, it is not uncommon to slip out of daily habits that reinforce positive mood states
4. Body Image Issues
Summer often means wearing less clothing and participating in activities that involve swimsuits. This can exacerbate body image issues for some individuals, leading to:
Body dysmorphia
A persistent preoccupation with perceived flaws in the body, comparisons of others' bodies, and excess time spent on fixing or hiding the flaws that are difficult to manage or control
Low self-esteem
Avoidance of social activities
Choosing to skip out on activities due to feeling uncomfortable with appearance may be a sign that additional support could be helpful
5. Increased Social Pressure
With more social events like parties, weddings, and vacations, some people may feel increased social pressure, leading to:
Social anxiety
Nervousness is a common feeling in social situations, anxiety, fear, and avoidance are symptoms of social anxiety
Stress about fitting in or meeting expectations
Exhaustion from social interactions
While the amount of social engagement may increase during the summer months, it’s important to take time to rest and recharge between events
6. Financial Stress
Summer activities and vacations can lead to financial strain, causing:
Stress about expenses
Anxiety about budgeting and finances
Avoidant behavior around tracking expenditures or budgets may be a symptom of anxiety
Pressure to keep up with others’ lifestyles
7. Heat-Related Sleep Issues
High temperatures can challenge the body in many ways including a disruption in sleep, leading to:
Insomnia
Symptoms may include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, even when set up for a night of quality sleep
Poor sleep quality
Fatigue and irritability
Maintaining a consistent body temperature in the summer requires more energy from the body leading to feeling tired and sluggish
8. Substance Abuse
Summer gatherings often involve alcohol and, in some cases, drugs. Increased social activities can lead to higher rates of substance abuse, contributing to:
Addiction issues
Feeling the need to use substances in social situations could indicate underlying mental health challenges
Increased risk-taking behaviors
Substance use can impair executive functioning skills and disrupt decision-making skills
Health complications related to substance use
Persistent usage of drugs and alcohol can have a negative impact on the body and its functions which can lead to chronic health issues or more acute problems
9. Loneliness and Isolation
While summer is often seen as a social season, it can also highlight feelings of loneliness for those without a strong social network or increase feelings of missing out. This can lead to:
Depression
Feelings of isolation
Increased risk of mental health crises
10. Travel Stress
Traveling can be a major stressor for some people, especially those with anxiety or other mental health issues. Common travel-related stressors include:
Fear of flying or other modes of transportation
Stress about planning and organizing trips
Anxiety about being in unfamiliar places and disruption of routine
Conclusion
While summer can be a wonderful time for many, it’s important to recognize and address the unique mental health challenges it can bring. It is not uncommon for people to experience a variety of overlapping symptoms. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, reaching out to a mental health professional can provide support and strategies to manage these challenges effectively. Heritage Counseling is here to help you navigate these summer-specific mental health concerns and support your overall well-being. To learn more information about counseling services offered at Heritage Counseling, please call 214-363-2345.
