Summer depression: This is what Summertime Sadness is all about

While winter depression is a familiar term to many, summer depression is less common. It is also less common, but should be taken just as seriously.

For many people, summer is the most beautiful time of year – the sun is shining, the days are long and there are countless ways to spend time. The warm months are supposed to be carefree, happy and easy. But for some, that’s not the case at all. Instead of enjoying the sun, they struggle with depressing moods, sleep disorders and inner restlessness. This can be summer depression. This is less well known and rarer than winter depression, but just as stressful.

How is summer depression triggered?

The triggers in the dark months that lead to winter depression are the lack of sunlight and the increased production of the sleep hormone melatonin. In summer, the weather and climate are different. Scientists suspect that the large amount of sunlight slows down melatonin production, according to the Medical University of Graz. Melatonin regulates the sleep-wake rhythm. The daily routine is also disrupted in summer by holidays, vacations and long days. Serotonin and melatonin can no longer regulate themselves. If melatonin production is inhibited, biochemical processes in the body become confused and can lead to depression.

Andreas Hagemann, a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy, explains to the German Press Agency (dpa) that stress also plays a significant role. Many people have the expectation in summer: “I have to enjoy this and everyone around me will be cheerful and happy.” If these assumptions are not fulfilled, great stress and pressure arise, which can encourage depression.

By the way: In addition to winter and summer depression, there is also autumn depression.

Difference to winter depression

Depressed mood, lack of motivation and an increased feeling of hunger are characteristic of winter depression. According to Hagemann, summer depression manifests itself differently. Typical symptoms are inner restlessness, a reduced feeling of hunger and sleep disorders.

However, summer depression can manifest itself differently in each person. It can also occur with varying degrees of severity. According to the German Depression Help, a distinction is made between three forms:

• mild / depressive mood,
• moderate / depression and
• severe / depressive disorder.

There are also depressions that vary in their course. There are “one-off depressive episodes,” “recurrent depressive episodes,” and “dysthymic disorders.” Summer depression, like winter depression, is a seasonal depression, as it only occurs at a certain time of year and keeps recurring.

If these symptoms occur, it is not a direct sign of summer depression. According to Hagemann, however, it is a reason to take a closer look if someone experiences these symptoms several summers in a row. “If you are in a hole like that for 14 days, you should think about getting professional help,” warns the doctor.

The first point of contact is your GP’s practice. They can refer people seeking help to someone else.

Self-help for summer depression

There are various self-help approaches for those affected that can be effective in parallel with professional treatment. “Anything that reduces stress and helps you wind down,” explains Hagemann. This includes exercise and relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, yoga or meditation.

It is important not to expect miracles. Instead, it is important to develop a routine made up of different building blocks that you can fall back on in stressful times. A routine can also prevent future illnesses.

Read more here: Stress management: These methods and exercises will help you

If you feel helpless or even have suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to seek professional help.

You can contact the German Depression Helpline: 0800 / 33 44 533

or use the chat service of the German Telephone Counseling Service: online.telefonseelsorge.de

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With material from dpa

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