We typically talk about seasonal depression as a winter-disorder and, in some ways, that’s true. It has been linked to issues like isolation, light exposure, and much more. But “seasonal depression” is a more complicated than that, and a person can have season depression at any time – even during the summer months.
These days, many people are having a different form of seasonal depression – not one caused by a lack of sunlight, but one that is, in some ways, caused by too much sunlight.
How the Heat Can Lead to Depressive Symptoms
We have just finished the hottest global month on record, beating the record set by last month and the month before it. We are entering a time when heat waves of 100+ degrees are becoming more and more common, along with humidity that can make it unbearable.
Many people are feeling the effects of this, and it’s causing a new type of issue: a type of seasonal depression linked to fears about climate change and distress over the heat.
First, the Biology
This article is largely going to be about global warming, but it is true that even biologically, heat can have an effect on our mental health. Excessive heat has an effect us physically in ways that can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Heat can cause dehydration, which leads to:
- Stress on the body/brain.
- Weakness, headaches, and pain.
- Difficulty thinking clearly.
- Irritability and trouble with decision making.
All of those can contribute to mental health issues. Heat also keeps us indoors more, so we may also be struggling with issues related to loss of light despite the sun being out. In addition, if we’re prone to outdoor exercising and positive mental health activities that are on hold during heat waves, that can affect us as well.
Second, the Climate Change
Still, one thing that is affecting a lot of people all around NY is a type of seasonal depression based around climate change. Many people fear the effects of climate change, and as they do, they also find that they get especially down about it during heatwaves. The heatwave serves as a reminder of a possible uncomfortable future – one where the person may not feel like the future holds much hope for them.
This fear of an unknown and possibly dangerous future – one that can sound apocalyptic at times – can understandably cause some unease. Over time, especially as the heat waves continue, that unease can lead to issues like depression, where a person no longer feels like the future is one they’re happy for or ready for.
If the person doesn’t typically have depression, those symptoms may fade away when the weather cools off. But they do not always. It is not uncommon for depressive symptoms to linger. Similarly, summer is supposed to be one of the happiest and most enjoyable times of the year. If depression recurs every summer because of these climate change fears, that type of life impact can be very stressful.
What’s Next?
We need to envision therapy as a tool that we can use to improve our quality of life and maintain better mental health. If we do that, then we can also see how a psychotherapist can help with issues like anxiety and depression related to climate change. At Long Island Counseling Services, we know that there are solutions that we can use to help you cope with some of the fears about climate change and make sure that you’re better able to maintain your mental health.
Heat waves can be stressful. But they shouldn’t cause depression, especially not seasonal depression. If you find that you’re struggling, please contact us today for a consultation.