Summer Seasonal Depression
By Jasmin Portaz, M.A., LPC, ATR
July 15, 2026
The stigma, the misunderstanding, and the need for greater support and care.
Have you ever felt depressed in summer? How about shame for feeling depressed due to the societal pressures to be happy now that winter is finally over? Most people are aware of the negative effect winter, and the seasonal changes that come along with it, can have on people’s mental health. We blame it on the cold, the lack of sun, the shorter days, or the pressure of the holidays. It makes sense. In fact, many people self-diagnose themselves with SAD (seasonal affective disorder) as a way to cope, understand, or excuse certain behaviors or feelings. However, though less talked about, SAD during the summer is not as rare as one might think. Unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness, misunderstanding, and underdiagnosis, many people who suffer from summer SAD go undiagnosed and, therefore, untreated.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF SAD
Many of the symptoms associated with summer SAD are the same or very similar to those experienced in winter. Symptoms include:
Depression
Anxiety
Disruptions in sleep
Lack of energy or motivation
Feelings of hopelessness
Irritability
Headaches and migraines
Social isolation
Aversion to extreme weather
SAD is caused by changes in the weather and therefore can be more prominent in areas with more extreme weather fluctuations. This does not mean that everyone who lives in these regions will experience seasonal depression, as it is caused by both environmental and physiological issues. Reports indicate that approximately 5% of the U.S. population experiences SAD, while undoubtedly many cases go undiagnosed. Additionally, experts have identified a link between summer SAD and Bipolar Disorder. The link does not mean that someone who is bipolar is definitely going to also have SAD, but it does indicate a greater risk and therefore a need for more awareness and understanding.
Causes for summer SAD include:
Body image anxieties – less clothing due to warmer weather can lead to insecurities, comparisons, and fears about exposure due to more revealing clothing
Social pressure – societal beliefs that summer should be fun and happy leads to feelings of missing out if activities are skipped or your social calendar isn’t filled
Inconsistency with routines – if you have children, school is out and schedules can be thrown off as a result; vacations can disrupt consistency
Changes in daylight and overexposure to sunlight – a later sunset can lead to a later bedtime, which can equal less sleep
Lethargy – exhaustion and lack of motivation due to overheating
STIGMA AND REASONS FOR LACK OF DIAGNOSES
It’s hard to treat or combat something that hasn’t been identified or diagnosed. Summer SAD might be harder to diagnose or even recognize or acknowledge in oneself due to the stigma and social pressures around how one should feel during the summer months. Many people feel more comfortable with, and are aware of, the winter SAD diagnosis and, therefore, will be more understanding of it. After all, it’s dark, cold, and the green plants have all died off. The pressures of the holidays and subsequent crash can lead people to feel isolated, lonely, and depressed. This makes sense in our minds, and so we don’t question it or are more okay with the idea. But summer SAD often doesn’t make sense to people. It’s sunny! There are so many amazing social activities and opportunities! We’re getting plenty of natural vitamin D! Summer is all about fun! We should be happy! Right? For starters, that is a lot of pressure to live up to. This pressure can be exacerbated by financial insecurity in the face of increased social activities that cost money, body image insecurities, comparing ourselves to those on social media, and a multitude of other variables. Those experiencing summer SAD may feel shame, like a burden, or invalidated when they try to express their feelings or share their difficulties. This can lead to people keeping their feelings to themselves, not seeking much-needed treatment, and exacerbating their symptoms, which can have dangerous ramifications greatly affecting their mental health. While most people believe that January is the most depressing month of the year with the greatest negative mental health risks, statistically speaking, in the United States, suicide rates are highest in August and July. Then, perhaps summer depression should be taken just as seriously and given as much attention as its winter counterpart.
WAYS TO COMBAT SUMMER SAD
While therapy should be the first step in understanding any mental health needs or diagnoses, there are many effective ways one can work to combat depression themselves. Exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep hygiene are all important and useful practices in fighting depression. While we may not feel compelled or even able to partake in stereotypical summer partying, we may find socializing with the right people in the right spaces to be a great source of comfort and combat some of the loneliness and isolation associated with SAD.
Though we can’t control the weather, we can make sure that we have useful and appropriate clothing and tools to help protect us from the sun and heat; making sure you stay hydrated and constantly have plenty of cold water around, carrying a hand or portable fan, wearing proper clothing, finding and staying in shade whenever possible, and spending less time outdoors in direct sunlight. Limiting social media can also be an effective way to push back against societal pressures, comparisons, and FOMO. Reflecting on previous summers and taking note of what added to and what relieved depression and trying to replicate as best you can is another way to regain control. Begin financially preparing for summer vacations and activities as early as January so you are not caught off guard. Finally, for those in need of extra or more acute support, medication can be extremely useful and effective for supporting depression, seasonal or otherwise. There should never be shame in seeking additional support for our mental health needs.
HOW THERAPY CAN HELP
If you have any concerns or questions about possible diagnoses, it is vital that you seek trained, professional consultation. Without proper training and licensure, diagnosing ourselves or others is irresponsible, unethical, and can be harmful. Your therapist is equipped and qualified to either diagnose or refer you to another certified specialist trained to do so. Once you have a formal diagnosis, your therapist can begin to help you create useful, realistic therapy goals and work on a treatment plan. This can include helping you set up a reasonable daily schedule, checking in around food and sleep habits, or reminding you of how you’ve coped or patterns that they’ve seen in your history. The stigma that you may fear in talking to others about your summer SAD should not exist in therapy. Your therapist is not there to judge, only to support, understand, and offer tools. This is your safe space to process, to release, and to feel seen and heard. You should never have to work through depression on your own, regardless of the season.
Warmly,
HELPFUL LINKS
Emerge Psychology Group
Center for Addiction and Mental Health - You’ve Heard of the Winter Blues But What About Summer Depression?
Cleveland Clinic - Why Summer Depression Happens — and How To Cope
Michigan Medicine - 5 Triggers for Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Summer
National Library of Medicine - Sunshine and Sadness: A Case Report on Summer Season Depression
Northwestern Medicine - Why Do I Feel SAD in the Summer?
UCLA Health - Seasonal Affective Disorder Can Hit in the Summer
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line - text HOME to 741741
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, always seek professional help immediately. Please call 911 or the suicide prevention lifeline at 988 or go to your nearest emergency room for immediate care.
DISCLAIMER
The content of these webpages and blogs and information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Seek professional help immediately if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or any other medical condition.