CPC Mental Health Ministry Spotlight:

 

Are you feeling the summer blues?

 

Summer blues is a term used to describe feelings of sadness, fatigue, irritability, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns that can occur during the summer months. It is often considered a type of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that occurs during the warmer months instead of the winter.

 

Symptoms of Summer Blues include:

  • Sadness and depression: Feeling sad, hopeless, or low most of the time.
  • Loss of interest: A lack of enjoyment or motivation for activities that used to be pleasurable or interesting.
  • Fatigue and low energy: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy.
  • Changes in appetite or sleep: Having increased or decreased appetite, or changes in sleeping patterns such as insomnia.
  • Irritability and restlessness: Feeling easily agitated or restless.
  • Anxiety: Feeling anxious or having panic attacks.
  • Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing or making decisions.

 

Causes of Summer Blues include:

  • Disrupted routines: Summer often means changes in schedules and routines, which can be jarring for some people.
  • Social pressures: Pressure to have fun and be social during the summer months can be challenging if you are feeling down.
  • Intolerable temperatures: Heat and humidity can be uncomfortable and even worse for some individuals.
  • Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety about unmet goals or expectations for the summer can contribute to feelings of sadness.
  • Changes in light and melatonin: Light and melatonin levels have less impact on summer blues than winter blues, but they can still affect mood in some individuals.
  • Loss, divorce, or other stressors: Any life stressor can trigger or exacerbate depressive symptoms, regardless of the season.

 

Get Help Today:

If you are feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or like you are carrying a heavy weight you cannot shake, it is okay to ask for help. Depression is treatable, and talking to a mental health professional can be the first step toward healing and relief. For individuals experiencing symptoms of depression, especially those expressing thoughts of hopelessness or emotional distress, 988 offers immediate access to crisis support and connection to local mental health services. You are also encouraged to check out the array of mental health supports on the CPC Mental Health Ministry’s webpage.