Summertime Sadness: Understanding Depression in Warmer Months
Summer is supposed to be the season of light. Long days. Big plans. Vacations. Cookouts. Smiles for the camera. It’s the time of year when everyone seems to be doing more, going out more, and feeling good.
But not everyone feels better when the sun is out. And if you’ve ever felt low, withdrawn, anxious, or even depressed during summer, you might have wondered, what’s wrong with me? The short answer is nothing. And you’re not alone.
Though less talked about, summertime depression is real. From a clinical perspective, it’s more common than most people realize.
What Is Summertime Depression?
Most people associate seasonal depression with winter. And while Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is typically linked to colder months, a small but significant number of people experience the opposite. These are depressive symptoms that show up or intensify in the warmer months. This is sometimes referred to as reverse SAD. It can impact sleep, appetite, energy, focus, motivation, and relationships.
Common Symptoms of Summer Depression
Trouble sleeping or disrupted sleep patterns
Feeling agitated, anxious, or emotionally flat
Withdrawing from social situations even when you feel pressure to show up
Feeling hopeless or disconnected without knowing why
Guilt about not enjoying summer the way others seem to
Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
Changes in energy, focus, or appetite
As licensed professionals, we want to normalize this experience and also encourage awareness. Summer depression often goes unnoticed because it contradicts the cultural belief that this time of year should always feel bright and easy. Many people suffer in silence, assuming they’re the only ones feeling this way.
Why Does Depression Happen in the Summer?
There is no one-size-fits-all cause, but several factors can contribute.
Pressure to feel good When the world is celebrating and you are struggling, it creates emotional friction. The pressure to be happy can make sadness feel heavier and even more isolating.
Loss of structure Summer brings disrupted routines. School is out, work schedules shift, kids are home, and vacation plans interrupt normal rhythms. Many people rely on structure for mental balance, and its absence can destabilize mood and focus.
Sleep and heat changesLonger days and high temperatures can interfere with sleep and comfort. Poor sleep alone can trigger or worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Body image and social comparison .Summer clothes, poolside photos, and filtered vacation content can increase body shame and self-comparison. For some, this becomes a trigger for depression, especially when self-worth is already fragile.
Emotional anniversaries or past trauma. Summer may be connected to grief or difficult memories. If something painful happened in a past summer, your body may remember long before your mind does.
What to Do If You’re Struggling. First, take your feelings seriously. Depression during summer is not a sign of weakness or a lack of gratitude. It is a real experience that deserves care.
Acknowledge what you feel You don’t need to force gratitude or fake positivity. Being honest about your inner state is a courageous first step toward healing.
Rebuild small routines
Consistent sleep and wake times, time away from screens, hydration, and movement can help regulate your nervous system and your mood.
Let go of the performance. You are not required to match the energy of everyone around you. It is okay to need rest. It is okay to opt out. Your healing does not have to be visible to be valid.
Talk to someone. Therapy is a supportive space to explore what you’re feeling and why. If you’re noticing changes in your mood, habits, or sense of self, working with a licensed therapist can provide clarity and direction.
You Are Not Broken. You Are Responding If the sun is shining but you feel dim inside, it does not mean you’re failing. It means something in you is asking to be seen and cared for. Your experience matters. And your healing matters too.
At Ashe Counseling & Coaching, we work with individuals and families who want more than just a quick fix. We offer thoughtful, compassionate therapy that meets you where you are, whether you're in a season of light, transition, or shadow.
You do not have to figure this out alone. You are not the only one feeling this way. And it can get better.
