It’s summertime, the sun is shining, the birds are singing. And for many—life is looking up. But busy social calendars, humid evenings and high pollen counts can trigger summer anxieties for others.
We associate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with the gloomy depths of winter. The shortest days of the year. Weeks of heavy rainfall and isolated November nights. It’s understandable how this can trigger depressive symptoms like persistent low mood and feelings of irritability.
But on the flip side of the coin, summer can have just as much of an impact.
So if you’re feeling the effects of summer seasonal affective disorder, you’re not alone. Your feelings are valid. There’s a good reason behind your anxieties. This guide will look at a few of the reasons for this and suggest some things you can do to cope with summer anxiety.
Why is my anxiety worse in the summer?
Busy social schedules
Summer socials, BBQs, holidays, walks, picnics, parties, beaches and pub gardens. The influx of social interaction in our lives can take its toll—especially on people who suffer from social anxiety. Situations like these can trigger worried thoughts, panic attacks and overwhelming fear. So if your social schedule is in overload, keep this in mind. It can dramatically affect your thoughts, moods and emotions. The waves of isolation of the past 16 months have also exaggerated these effects for some people.
Hot, humid temperatures
Many of the symptoms of anxiety can intensify when temperatures start to heat up. Sometimes, the humidity itself can be enough to cause panic attacks, excessive sweating or a pounding heartbeat. And it can often come, with what feels like no rhyme—or reason. That’s not to mention the lack of sleep, dehydration and general ‘brain fog’ that might accompany this. Knock-on effects of this can further impact your mood, motivation and ability to cope with life.
Ways to cope with summer anxiety
Here are some practical steps you can take to cope with the effects of summer anxiety. It might sound simple. But if you can bring these small habits into your daily routine, they really can make a difference.
Keeping it cool
Scout out the shade where you can. Take cold showers. Wear light, cotton clothing. Make keeping it cool a priority while you’re out and about in the summer. The sun can wear us out and make us tired. And when we’re tired—we can be more susceptible to the effects of anxiety. Open windows where possible and make a conscious effort to keep rooms ventilated. Stay hydrated. When your body temperature stays in a normal range, you’ll feel calmer and more in control. So it should be a priority.
