Sun, lightness, holidays – summer is good for many people. But not all. The warm season hits the psyche for some. This can go as far as a depressive mood, in which a gray veil covers the summer. And even the best ice cream in the world will no longer bring joy. Compared to winter depression, summer depression is much less well known. Though less common, it’s also a form of seasonal depression – more than a blues. Andreas Hagemann, specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy and medical director of the Eschweiler private clinic near Aachen, explains what is behind it and what signs you should take seriously.
Mr. Hagemann, why can depressive moods occur in summer?
Andreas Hagemann: In winter it is mainly the lack of sunlight and the increased production of the so-called sleep hormone melatonin, which can lead to a depressive mood. Of course it’s different in summer. Science suspects that the body’s melatonin production is throttled in the summer by the amount of sunlight – and biochemical processes in the body are mixed up.
Apart from that, stress is a factor that promotes the development of depression. And if you have the expectation in summer “I have to enjoy it and everyone around me is cheerful and happy” – and that is then not fulfilled, that means great stress and pressure.
How do you recognize a so-called summer depression?
While winter depression is characterized by a depressed mood, lack of drive and an increased feeling of hunger, this is somewhat different in the summer variant. It manifests itself, for example, in inner restlessness and a reduced feeling of hunger, but also in sleep disorders.
You should also be alert if you experience these symptoms for the second, third or fourth time in summer. Of course, not every low mood is depression. But if you’re stuck in a hole like this for 14 days, you should think about getting professional help. The first point of contact is ideally your family doctor. He or she can then refer further.
And what can those affected do themselves to make themselves feel better – also parallel to professional treatment?
Anything that reduces stress and helps you wind down. These can be very different things: for example sports or relaxation methods such as progressive muscle relaxation, yoga or meditation. Don’t expect miracles, however. Once you do yoga, you probably aren’t totally balanced and relaxed right away. It’s good when a routine of different building blocks sets in that you can fall back on. Even if an illness develops in the future.