Depression and Anxiety Therapy in the Summer Months: Thoughts from a Colorado Therapist

The summer months can bring a unique set of challenges and benefits for your mental health. They offer a mix of opportunities for growth while presenting difficulties to navigate. The warm weather and longer days are perfect for engaging in outdoor activities, reconnecting with nature, and fostering social connections that can uplift your mood. However, the heat and changes in routine might also amplify feelings of anxiety or depression for some.

As a therapist in Colorado, I’ve seen firsthand how the summer season can impact your mental well-being. My approach focuses on understanding these complexities and providing compassionate support to help you embrace the benefits of this vibrant season while developing coping strategies to manage its challenges. Together, we can create a balanced plan for navigating summer, fostering resilience and hope.

Understanding Depression and Anxiety in Summer

While summer is often seen as a time for happiness and fun, it’s important to recognize some common misconceptions about this season. You might think that summer automatically brings joy because there’s more time to be outside, go on vacations, and enjoy social gatherings. But that’s not the reality for everyone. For some, feelings of depression or anxiety can persist or even intensify despite the sunny skies. You might feel guilty for not being able to take your family on vacation or feel pressured to attend social events when you’re struggling with your mental health.

The increase in social activities can feel overwhelming, especially if you deal with social anxiety. The expectation to have a perfect summer can add pressure and trigger symptoms of anxiety or depression. Additionally, a more severe form of “summer depression,” known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can occur. This condition, often referred to as reverse SAD, affects people during the summer, leading to worsened symptoms driven by factors like heat and social pressures.

What Can Trigger Depression and Anxiety in Summer?

You may be thinking, “What about summer could trigger depression or anxiety?” and that’s a valid question. The reality is, the triggers may vary from person to person, but some common factors include:

• Disrupted routine: For many people, summer means a change in routine due to vacations, kids being out of school, and changes in work schedules. This shift can be challenging for those with mental health disorders who heavily rely on their daily routines for stability.
• Body image concerns: Warmer weather often means more revealing clothing which can increase body image insecurities and impact self-esteem.
• Financial strain: Planning a vacation or attending social events can put a strain on your finances, creating stress and potentially triggering symptoms of anxiety or depression.
• Social pressure: Summer can come with an expectation to be constantly social and have a perfect, fun-filled summer. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or fear of missing out (FOMO) for some individuals.

Each individual is different and so are their triggers. As a depression therapist in Englewood, CO, I have witnessed the unique challenges that summer can bring for my clients. Often, when triggers start to surface, it can feel overwhelming. You might not even realize your triggers are that, triggers. This is where therapy and self-awareness come into play.

Challenges of Summer Months for Mental Health

Some of these challenges were mentioned earlier, but let’s dive deeper into how they can affect your mental health during the summer months. Understanding how specific challenges and changes in your routine impact your well-being is crucial for developing coping mechanisms and a balanced plan to manage them. One significant factor is the heat and its effect on your sleep. High temperatures can disrupt your sleep quality, leading to fatigue and irritability, which may exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. The struggle to find comfort on hot nights can leave you feeling more vulnerable.

Additionally, summer brings a set of social expectations and pressures. The narrative surrounding this season suggests endless fun and activity, creating a sense of obligation to join social gatherings and outdoor adventures. This pressure can be tough, especially if you’re already feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Instead of enjoying the season, you might find yourself dealing with FOMO or feelings of inadequacy.

Finally, The Disruption of Daily Routines.

Often a hallmark of summer, this season can pose a significant challenge for your mental health. Vacations, school breaks, and altered work schedules might disrupt the stability you rely on. If you’re managing anxiety or depression, these changes can heighten feelings of uncertainty and stress. That’s why it’s essential for you to establish coping mechanisms and support systems to help navigate these transitions. But, what exactly are the benefits of summer months for your mental health?

The Benefits of Summer Months for Mental Health

You’ve heard about the negative impacts of summer on mental health, but that’s only one side of the coin. Summer, although containing triggers for anxiety and depression, also has several positive effects on mental well-being. Some of these benefits include:

• Increased sun exposure: Sunlight boosts the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. This can lead to improved overall mood and reduced symptoms of anxiety or depression. The increased sunlight also provides vitamin D, which contributes to maintaining healthy bones and immune function.
• More social opportunities: While social pressure can be a trigger for some individuals, having more opportunities for social connections in the summer can also have positive effects on mental health. Socializing promotes feelings of belonging and support, leading to increased self-esteem and reduced symptoms of depression.
• Outdoor activities: Engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, or picnics can boost your mood by providing a change of scenery from daily routines. These activities also provide an opportunity to disconnect from technology and connect with nature. Thus, promoting relaxation and stress relief. However, remembering how the heat affects you can help you limit or plan these activities to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
• Time for self-care: With a change in routine, summer can provide more time for self-care. This could mean taking up a new hobby or spending quality time with loved ones. These activities promote relaxation and can act as coping mechanisms for managing anxiety or depression symptoms.

These benefits can support your mental health over the summer when balanced with self-awareness and coping mechanisms for potential triggers. However, they may not fully alleviate symptoms for everyone, and that’s okay! Seeking support from a therapist or developing individualized coping mechanisms can provide additional resources for managing mental health during the summer months.

Therapeutic Approaches During Summer

Navigating the emotional ups and downs of summer can be tricky. But there are therapeutic strategies that can really boost your mental resilience. One powerful tool is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This approach helps you pinpoint and reshape negative thought patterns. By challenging those distorted beliefs, you can achieve a more balanced mindset and lessen the impact of seasonal triggers. This can be especially helpful when dealing with anxiety or depression related to social pressure or body image insecurities.

Another beneficial approach is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This therapy focuses on developing skills for managing difficult emotions and improving interpersonal relationships. Summer can bring its own set of challenges, and DBT provides practical tools for navigating those triggers and building resilience. For instance, the “Distress Tolerance” module helps individuals cope with intense emotions in healthy ways, while the “Interpersonal Effectiveness” module can assist with assertive communication and setting boundaries during social events.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is also a Powerful Approach.

Especially, for processing past traumas or painful memories that may resurface during the summer months. These can often be underlying triggers for mental health symptoms. For instance, if a traumatic event occurred during the summer, it can resurface and impact your well-being during this season. EMDR helps reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing you to cope with them better.

Neurofeedback is another therapeutic approach that utilizes technology to monitor brainwave activity and provide real-time feedback. With neurofeedback training, individuals can learn to regulate their brainwaves, improving symptoms of anxiety or depression. This approach can be beneficial for individuals struggling with heightened stress and emotional dysregulation during the summer.

Tips for Managing Depression and Anxiety in Summer

Knowing how summer can affect your mental health, having ways to manage and cope with these changes can make a significant difference. Above, we stated therapeutic approaches that can help, but here are additional tips for managing depression and anxiety in summer:

Stick to a Routine

When your routine is disrupted by vacations, school breaks, or altered work schedules, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of stability. Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule and daily routine as much as possible. This can help reduce feelings of uncertainty and provide a sense of control. For instance, have staples in your routine like a morning walk or an evening meditation to help ground and center yourself.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety. Be sure to drink plenty of water, especially on hot days when you may be more likely to sweat and lose fluids. Not only does staying hydrated improve physical health, but it can also positively impact mood and cognitive function. Those emotional support water bottle stickers you see on other water bottles are actually on to something!

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises can help manage anxiety and depression symptoms during the summer. These techniques promote relaxation and can be utilized at the moment when you feel overwhelmed by triggers or emotions. It helps your body and mind stay present, rather than getting lost in negative thoughts or worries. Also, it helps them go back to baseline rather than experience an anxiety attack or depressive episode.

Self-Care Practices

Making self-care a priority can really boost your emotional resilience this summer. Set aside some time each day for activities that bring you joy. Whether that’s diving into a good book, practicing mindfulness, or soaking up nature. Creating a regular self-care routine helps you relax and equips you to handle the unique challenges of the season, strengthening your mental well-being.

Seek Support

Having support from loved ones or a therapist is vital for taking care of your mental health in the summer. Don’t hesitate to voice your needs and reach out for help when necessary. Being around understanding and compassionate people can really help you handle those seasonal triggers.

If you find yourself struggling, remember that seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. A depression therapist in Englewood, CO can offer tailored support and guidance to help you enjoy the positive aspects of summer while managing your challenges. You don’t have to navigate this season alone. With the right tools and resources, you can make it through summer with a smile on your face and a healthy mind. So, take care of yourself and prioritize your mental health this summer.

Enhance Your Mental Well-Being with a Depression Therapist in Englewood, CO

Summer may pose unique challenges for mental health, but it’s also a season full of opportunities for growth and self-care. If you’re struggling to manage your mental well-being during this time, know that you’re not alone and there is support available. A depression therapist in Englewood, CO can provide personalized guidance and techniques to help enhance your resilience and maintain positive mental health through the summer months. Mountain Vista Psychology works with both parents and families to promote mental health and wellness through evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Contact us today to schedule a session and take the first step towards a healthier, happier summer. Reach out to our team today to talk with a highly trained mental health professional! Start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:

1. Schedule a free phone consultation
2. Start meeting with a caring therapist
3. Enhance your mental well-being and start enjoying summer to its fullest potential!

Other Services Offered with Mountian Vista Psychology

Depression and Anxiety support isn’t the only thing our team offers at Mountian Vista Psychology.  Other services offered include Telehealth, child counseling, teen counseling, adult counseling, family therapy,  couples therapy, parent support& more. We also provide Neurofeedback Therapy services for Neurofeedback for ADHD, Neurofeedback for Autism, Neurofeedback for Concussion/ TBI, and Neurofeedback for Sports/Performance. Our team also provides testing for learning disabilities, ADHD, and Autism. Be sure to check out our Blog and FAQs for more about us and our services!