5 Signs and Symptoms of Summer Depression [Infographic]

If summer’s heat and sun bums you out, you’re not alone. How to tell if it is a case of the summertime blues — or something more serious.

7:00 AM

Author | Annie Clarkson

For some, summertime is anything but sweet.

MORE FROM MICHIGAN: Sign up for our weekly newsletter

What is supposed to be the most relaxed season of the year comes with triggers such as schedule stress, Instagram envy (is everyone else on vacation?) and a hatred of the heat.

Oftentimes, these feelings are little more than in-the-moment frustrations. But in some individuals, seasonal upset is actually summer-onset seasonal affective disorder, or diagnosable summer depression.

"Having seasonal depression in the summer is not as common as wintertime depression, but mental health professionals do see it," Michelle Riba, M.D., a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan and associate director of the U-M Depression Center, said last year.

"For people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, manic episodes often peak in spring and summertime," she added.

If this sounds familiar, consider these signs and symptoms of summer depression. If you have concerns about these symptoms or any others, talk to your doctor: Depression is treatable, whether through talk therapy, medication or other means.

Other depression symptoms (year-round) include:

  • Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism, or guilt or worthlessness

  • Thoughts of death or suicide

  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions.

Sources: NormanRosenthal.com, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and the Mayo Clinic.

If you've been newly diagnosed with depression, visit Michigan Medicine's Depression Toolkit. For more information, visit the Depression Center online.


More Articles About: Health Management Depression Mental Health
Health Lab word mark overlaying blue cells
Health Lab

Explore a variety of healthcare news & stories by visiting the Health Lab home page for more articles.

Media Contact Public Relations

Department of Communication at Michigan Medicine

[email protected]

734-764-2220

Stay Informed

Want top health & research news weekly? Sign up for Health Lab’s newsletters today!

Subscribe
Featured News & Stories Empty hospital bed with monitors and machines in hospital room
Health Lab
Electroconvulsive therapy: Peeling back the mystery
A Michigan Medicine patient describes why she considers electroconvulsive therapy, also known as ECT, an essential treatment.
Senior couple hugging in kitchen
Health Lab
Pandemic Worsened Many Older Adults’ Mental Health and Sleep, Poll Finds, But Long-Term Resilience Also Seen
Many older adults say the pandemic has affected their mental health, including depression, anxiety and sleep problems. But most say they would be willing to seek care if they needed it.
cartoon man under spotlight of green lamp sitting in chair
Health Lab
Seeing the Light of an Improved Mood
A psychologist explains how to boost your mood, and your sleep, on a cloudy day with light therapy.
Health Lab
How to Boost Your Mood with Food
Your diet can play a significant role in how you feel emotionally, but can food improve your mood? Two U-M dieticians weigh in.
Man sitting behind a computer in a darkened room with his hands over his face
Health Lab
When Depression Shows Up in the Workplace
Tips from a psychiatrist on how to identify and handle workplace depression as a caring colleague or manager.
Health Lab
One Patient’s Mission to Shatter Psych Ward Stigmas
A range of treatments, including inpatient stays, helped a young woman regain control of her life. By sharing her experience, she hopes to reach others in need.