Got That Summertime Sadness: Recognizing Summer-Onset Depression in Adolescents
While summer is often associated with freedom and fun, for many young people, the season can bring unexpected emotional challenges. Summer seasonal depression, also informally referred to as summertime sadness, is a lesser-known form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It affects some adolescents during the warmer months, leading to significant distress and disruption in their daily lives.
Understanding Summer Depression in Teens
Unlike the more commonly recognized winter SAD, summer depression in teens emerges during the spring or summer months. Symptoms can include persistent sadness, anxiety, agitation, insomnia, reduced appetite, and weight loss. These symptoms often intensify as the season progresses, potentially interfering with a teen’s ability to function at home, work, or in social settings.
Why Summer Can Be Difficult for Teens
Several factors contribute to the onset of summer depression in adolescents:
- Disrupted routines. The transition from a structured school schedule to an unstructured summer can lead to irregular sleep patterns, poor eating habits, and a sense of aimlessness.
- Social isolation. With school out and friends away on vacations or engaged in different activities, teens may experience loneliness and a lack of normal social interaction.
- Increased screen time. More free time can lead to excessive use of social media, where teens are exposed to idealized images and experiences of others, potentially impacting their self-esteem and body image.
- Environmental factors. Heat, humidity, and longer daylight hours can disrupt sleep and exacerbate feelings of discomfort and restlessness.
Recognizing the Signs
Parents and caregivers should be vigilant for signs of summer depression, which may include:
- Persistent low mood or irritability
- Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances
- Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness
Early recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent the progression of symptoms and provide the necessary support.
Seeking Help and Support
Summer can be an opportune time to address mental health concerns, as the break from academic pressures allows for focused attention on well-being. Engaging in therapy, establishing structured daily routines, and encouraging social interactions can be beneficial. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a mental health professional is essential to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Get More Out of Your Summer With ReGroup Foundation
ReGroup Foundation is a nonprofit that helps preteens and teens, as well as their families, anonymously share and benefit from mental health success stories. Too often, the best resources and practices in teen wellness remain under the radar.
We want all families to benefit from the triumphs of those who have “been there, done that” where summer mental health issues impacting teen welfare are concerned. We make this possible by collecting family reviews of local mental health caregivers and facilities and providing a forum for sharing personal strategies that teens can use in recovering from wellness challenges. In only 15 minutes, you can begin making a world of difference in the lives of teens and their families — just by anonymously sharing your successes. Register today, and start sharing your reviews and mental health insights.