Summertime Sadness is more than just a melancholy pop ballad by Lana Del Rey. People actually experience summertime sadness. Summertime is commonly associated with excitement, vacation, and festivities.
This syndrome is associated with the Seasonal Affective Disorder which affects about 4 to 6% of the population. Summertime Sadness describes the sudden sensations of sadness and emotional downturn that some people experience throughout the summer months.
Causes of Summertime Sadness
Disruption of Routine: Most people like having routines because these routines provide structure in their lives, thanks to work and school activities. However, during the summer, school is out and work schedules often change. These changes can make them feel disoriented and lose their sense of purpose because the things that kept them on track and grounded have been altered.
Social Pressure: To many people, summer is all about having fun and doing lots of cool activities. But sometimes, all that fun can feel like too much pressure. It can stress you out and even make you feel a bit anxious for a while. Sometimes, the fear of missing out on all of these happening activities and events increases these feelings, which can make it tough to relax and enjoy the season.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): While SAD is commonly associated with winter, it can also manifest in summer for some individuals. Although it is different from typical summertime sadness, the longer days and intense sunlight can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to mood swings.
Loss and Separation: Summer is a time when many people travel or move temporarily from one country to another, leading to separation from family and friends. This distance can create feelings of loneliness and sadness, as individuals miss the presence and support of their family and friends.
Coping with Summertime Sadness
When it comes to creating some sort of coping mechanism for this feeling, it’s all about finding ways to incorporate happiness or joy into streams of sadness. You can do these by following these common strategies:
Maintain Structure: Routines have to be sustainable in order for them to make an impact in your daily life. Try to keep a simple routine to give your days some order. Even just having set times to wake up, eat, and do activities can help you feel more organized and less lost.
Mindful Enjoyment: Do things you actually enjoy, not just what you think you should be doing. Whether it’s reading, walking, or working on a hobby, focus on what truly makes you happy.
Social Connection: If you are traveling to another country and feeling lonely, try to stay in touch with friends and family back home through video calls, SMS, or social media. Also, that would be an excellent time to meet new people by attending local events, taking classes, or participating in group activities.
However, living in the same area as your family or friends does not necessarily mean that you won’t be lonely throughout the summer period. It can be lonely, so stay in touch with friends and family, even if it’s only for low-key activities like chatting, watching movies, or going on a relaxing outing. Being among people you care about can make you feel less lonely.
Seeking Professional Help: If you still feel really sad and it’s messing with your daily life, think about talking to a professional. These days, there are websites where you can talk to a trained specialist about your problems. They can help you figure out what’s going on and give you ways to feel better.
Bottom Line
Summertime sadness occurs when you feel unexpectedly down throughout the summer, despite the fact that it should be a cheerful time. These feelings are completely acceptable and valid. There are strategies to deal with this seasonal depression, such as a simple routine, engaging in activities, and staying in touch with friends.
