Natural Ways to Cope With Summer Depression and Anxiety

Summertime...the living is easy...but not for everyone. When the warm weather season finally rolls around after the long dark winter months, there is often an assumption that good spirits will follow. Winter is commonly believed to be the worst time for individuals prone to depression, but paradoxically, it is summer that triggers anxiety and depression in many people.

I was reading a fashion magazine that talked about getting your wardrobe in shape for a busy summer packed with social functions like weddings, barbecues, picnics, graduations and family vacations. Much like the holiday season, summer can be a whirlwind of social activity; however, summer depression and anxiety aren’t as widely talked about or acknowledged like the wintertime blues. For summer depression sufferers, this can lead to feelings of guilt or shame, and the burden of feeling “different” than others.

If you struggle with feeling sad, depressed or anxious during what is supposed to be a feel-good summer season, you are certainly not alone. If you are interested in holistic living and seek natural ways to deal with your anxiety and depression, I’ve published two articles with more information on how to cope. My first article talks about natural ways to cope with summer depression:

Seven Tips for Coping with Summer Depression by Allison West Published on Healthmad

I’ve heard it said that July is “the happiest month.” Long lazy days, vacation time, and warm sunny weather lead many to regard summer as the feel-good time of the year.

But for a surprising number of people, summer is a time for mild to severe depression. Just as winter can cause seasonal affective disorder in many people, summertime can trigger a lesser known form of reverse seasonal affective disorder, called summer depression. Read more...

The second article I wrote talks about some natural ways to cope with anxiety:

Five Natural Ways to Cope With Anxiety by Allison West Published on Healthmad

The world we live in is a stressful place, fraught with anxiety producing situations. Worries about the recession, employment, money and retirement, and healthcare have taken their toll on many people, and while there are signs things might be improving, difficult economic conditions have provoked anxiety in many individuals.

The bleak economy combined with personal stressors like relationships and family can lead to a first panic attack or episode of extreme anxiety in sensitive people. Some will turn to prescription medications to deal with panic, while others prefer a natural, non-medicated approach for coping with anxiety. Read more...

These articles and my blog posts are not intended to diagnose or treat severe summer or winter depression and anxiety. If you are anxious or depressed, please consult with a qualified physician or mental health professional to find the appropriate treatment for you. If you experience summer depression or feelings of anxiety, I hope these tips and information offer some self help strategies to help you cope with the summertime blues.