Quick, think of the word “summer.” What comes to mind: joyful images playing at the beach, relaxing on a hammock or enjoying backyard barbeques? For most people summer is a very happy time, but for a surprisingly large number of people summertime leads to sad time. For sufferers of summer-generated depression, the misery manifests itself in many different ways: feelings of low mood, hopelessness, agitation, irritability, insomnia and/or the desire to just hide yourself away from the world.

Researchers aren’t exactly sure the cause of “reverse seasonal affective disorder,” as it’s referred to by those in the know, but there is some indication that body temperature has something to do with it; others think sunlight is the culprit. While the researchers are debating the causes, there are some steps you can take now to help you cope with summertime sadness.


First of all, realise that you are not crazy nor are you alone. While not as common as winter-induced depression, summertime depression is real and affects people worldwide. Talk to your friends and loved ones, express how you’re feeling. Talking to others will get your feelings out in the open, and can also help others understand you’re not being rude when you refuse social invitations; there is a real reason you can’t make that pool party.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Yes, yes, I realise I include this advice for everything from sleep deprivation to balancing your checkbook but it’s true. Putting healthy, nourishing foods inside your body will help regulate your hormones and therefore your overall sense of well-being. When you eat junk you feel like junk. And along those lines, stay hydrated. Dehydration, a common occurrence during hot, summer months can lead to lethargy, mood swings, and headaches and if not treated, some serious health problems. So, drink plenty of water.

Exercise. Again, another wonder drug and my favorite advice for anything that ails you, exercise. There are countless research studies out there that show exercise can significantly help improve mood. One of the most telling studies was reported recently, in which an exercise program was equal in benefit to routine doses of Zoloft, a common antidepressant. Endorphins are a wonderful thing!

Get a good night’s sleep. This is obviously much easier said than done when you’re suffering with insomnia but if you’re doing the other things – eating well, exercising and drinking plenty of water – sleep will come. Get into a good bedtime routine, going to bed and waking at the same time each day (yes, even on the weekends) and avoid any kind of stimulating or stressful activity right before bed. Your bedroom should be quiet, cool and as dark as possible.

Care for a pet. Research has shown that taking care of an animal helps reduce symptoms of depression. Pets can make you feel less lonely or isolated and the unconditional love of a pet is very comforting. If you don’t have a pet of your own, you can “borrow” one from a friend. Offer to pet sit when a friend goes out of town. Or, you could volunteer at a shelter or animal rescue organization.

Volunteer. Ok so maybe volunteering at a pet shelter isn’t your thing. No problem, there are loads of volunteer opportunities out there from feeding the homeless to visiting children in hospitals to building houses. Doing something for others is a great way to remove yourself from your current situation and focus on something/someone else. It will help you realize that there are others out there that need you. And being needed feels good.

Keep it in perspective. Know that this too shall pass, the season will change, and you will feel better. But until the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, try these tips. They may not work entirely, but chances are they will make you feel better and can help you cope with summer time sadness.

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