Content provided by the Health & Wellness Team at GBS Benefits
Warm summer months are often full of happy moments and a renewed sense of excitement, but it’s not always fun in the sun. Sometimes, higher temperatures and changing social obligations can make long, hot days seem more tiresome than freeing.
Arizona University provided the following insight on common struggles we may face in summer months:
While seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is commonly associated with the winter season, there is growing recognition and evidence that some individuals may experience depressive symptoms during the summer months. This phenomenon is often referred to as summer SAD or reverse SAD. There has been limited research into this subset of depression, but about 10% of people with SAD have summertime worsening of mood symptoms, and as psychiatrists, we do see it.
High temperatures and humidity can lead to physiological changes in the body, including increased heart rate, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. These factors can contribute to fatigue, irritability, and mood disturbances. Pollen levels are often high in the summer, and this can trigger allergies and asthma, and therefore inflammation, which can also contribute to feelings of fatigue and depression.
Schedule changes for people with seasonal occupations, such as teachers, may make people feel out of sorts due to loss of structure in the summer. Even slight changes in schedule can impact mental health. For office workers, workflow might change. If other employees are out, you may be doing extra work to compensate. Similarly, summer break for kids can add more stress for families, financially and emotionally, from childcare needs in addition to schedule changes.
It’s safe to say, not everyone thrives in the summer. Implement the following cooling techniques to combat summer scaries!
- Drape cool, moist towels over your neck. Don’t pack yourself in ice, as it is too cold and constricts your blood vessels, forcing hot blood from the skin back to the core and driving up your temperature.
- Have plenty of cold water on hand to stay hydrated.
- Wear sunblock to protect yourself from getting sunburned. Use UV protectant gear, hats, and sunglasses to help reduce core temperature.
- Find a cool place in the shade to relax or enjoy outdoor activities. Plan to stay inside for the hottest portions of the day.
Reference:
https://news.arizona.edu/news/beat-summertime-sadness-these-cool-tips
