Imagine feeling depressed when the sun shines and the weather is warm. Believe me, it's actually not as unusual as it sounds. You've probably heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the form of winter blues, but less common is summer depression, which is said to affect roughly 600,000 people in the UK. For these people, the arrival of summer makes them feel gloomy and fatigued.
I know how they feel. I'm one of them. Though I suffer from depression all year round, I've noticed how much worse it gets between the months of March and October, with June, July and August being the most unbearable.
It is April as I write this. It's been quite a cool month so far but it is due to get warmer during the next few days. Already I am feeling the dread. The only place I can write is in the south-facing living room of my tiny flat. This makes matters worse as I have to keep the curtains drawn to stop the sun attacking me. Yes, it really does feel like that. Too much sunlight seems to drain my energy and I am unable to get on with things, adding to more frustration. It feels like a prison. As well as the curtains drawn against sun and heat, I am usually listening to music with headphones on to block out all noise (and there is a lot where I live - I've got neighbours from hell). And as a writer, it's no surprise that I get the worst case of writer's block during this time of the year.
I've never enjoyed being out in the sun and loathe sunbathing. In fact, I've never sunbathed. I don't see the point. I like my pale skin, thank you very much. And it amazes me really, how others seem to be obsessed with getting a tan and just go on ignoring the warnings about skin cancer. The sun is not your best friend. You've got to believe it. Yes, it's true that you need it in small doses for a bit of vitamin D, but other than that, beware.
If you think about it there is every reason to be depressed in the summer. For a start you see people out having a good time (a better time than you, probably) and if you are already depressed and lonely, it gets you down even more. There are also a lot of weddings in summer, and people do tend to socialize more, so if you're single you are likely to feel worthless and alone.
But this isn't my problem. What really bothers me is the heat. It makes me feel irritable and I hate feeling sticky and dirty. And if it's too hot I sleep badly. In fact, I don't sleep at all some nights. And then there's the creepy-crawlies. I tell you, I absolutely detest them. Spiders being my biggest phobia of all. Is it just me, or are they getting bigger? It just makes me afraid to leave the windows open so I feel even more frustrated and upset.
Many people look forward to going somewhere hot for their holidays. Well, not me. I can't imagine anything more stressful than sweltering in the heat. When I holiday I prefer to go somewhere cool, and for the last few years I've been going to Sweden. Now, don't get me wrong, they do have summers in Sweden, but they are short and not very hot. Even if they are, you don't seem to notice much as there are large areas of open space and it's always breezy (especially on the south-west coast where I like to visit).
When autumn arrives I notice that I start to feel so much better. As the nights draw in I feel calmer and more comfortable with life. For me there is nothing better than creating a warm and cosy atmosphere indoors with lots of low lighting and curtains drawn against the cold frosty nights. Autumn has always been my favourite season anyway, and I love the colours and the smells, and the fact that winter is coming (bringing with it some snow, hopefully).
I do love nature and being outdoors, but I would rather go out during the autumn and winter months. What can be more refreshing than a cold bite of wind against the skin? It seems to energize me. And what can be more beautiful than seeing everything covered in a blanket of snow? Another thing that I've noticed is that in the winter I can control my depression instead of it controlling me. Maybe that's the real reason I hate summer.
If you suffer with summer depression here are some ways to help you cope:
Drink lots of water as dehydration leads to more irritation.
Keep cool with an air conditioning or a fan.
Wear cool clothes of natural fibre.
Make sure you have thick curtains that can block out the sunlight.
Wear sunglasses when out in the sun.
Avoid junk food and eat more healthy food such as lean meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. Take vitamins B complex and C. The mineral magnesium is also important as you lose this when you sweat.
Avoid caffeine as it leaves you feeling tired and lethargic. It's best to avoid alcohol too as it dehydrates you, making you feel even more hot and bothered.
Make sure your bedroom is cool at night by leaving a small window slightly open.
See your GP as he may be able to prescribe some medication to help with your depression.
Marie Seymour is a freelance writer, copy-editor and novelist. She has written articles on writing, music, astrology and health and is currently working on a novel about vampires. She lives in London but dreams of escaping all the pollution, litter and noise to live in the countryside where she can write novels for a living in peace.
http://www.marieseymour.com
http://marie-deepthinker.blogspot.com/