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Beat the Summer Blues

Seasonal Depressive Disorder (SAD) is typically known as the winter blues, but summertime brings its own mental health challenges for children and youth. Longer days, changes in schedules and hotter temperatures can affect a young person’s mental health during the summer months.
Reasons include:

1. Schedules: Summer brings an end to the academic school year, and for some youth this drastic change in schedules can cause distress. Many parents or guardians work during the day and may not be able to spend time with their children.
2. Body Image: Fun in the sun is generally associated with swimsuit season, which can trigger body image issues with youth and adolescents.
3. Temperature Changes: Excessive heat or a change in temperature may trigger a youth struggling with mental health issues.
4. Finances: Some youth may feel anxiety around finances if their families are unable to go on vacation or attend camps/programs they are interested in.
5. Allergies: Increased temperatures along with spending more time outside may trigger allergies in youth and adolescents, which can exacerbate existing mental health issues.

How to Combat Summer Depression

1. Schedules: If excessive free time and a lack of structure causes anxiety in your youth or adolescent, help your child come up with a schedule to fill in the summer days. If parents are able, consider signing youth up for camp or programs.
2. Open Discussion: Be open to conversation with your youth or adolescent about how they are feeling.
3. Exercise: Sunlight is a natural anti-depressant, so exercising outside is a great way to boost the mood and address body image issues.
4. Seek Help: Seek professional help if needed. This can include seeking a healthcare professional or taking/adjusting medication as needed
5. Be Creative: If finances stress your child or teen, then brainstorm creative ways to address the issue.