Summertime Blues

Are you SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder, aptly known as  SAD, is a form of depression that is most commonly associated with winter and the effects of reduced sunlight, hibernation, and cold. 

Nevertheless, summertime SAD is the real experience for many of us in North Carolina. Summer in downtown Raleigh has been hot and humid. How many of us have looked at the events at the Dix Park, Red Hat or North Carolina Museum of Art then “closed those tabs” after realizing it will still be 89 degrees at 8pm?

For many of us, especially in Southern states, the summer climate contributes to increased social isolation, less movement, irritability, and hopelessness. Disrupted eating and sleeping patterns are also common symptoms of the summer blues. The expectation that I should be having the time of my life can only exacerbate the feelings of despair. Similarly, social media allows us to compare our experience to the shiny snap shots of our peers and contribute to feelings of worthlessness, failure, and grief. Whereas winter SAD is characterized by not having enough sunlight, summer’s extended daylight can make for long, sometimes torturous days due to the extended daylight. Summer travel disrupts routined social interaction/ calendar and can create a sense of chaos and isolation. 

Relief from SAD: 

STAY CONNECTED: Social interaction is still important but keep it inside.  Downtown Raleigh boasts Morgan Street and Transfer Co food halls that provide a great place to meet others without having to even spend a dime, although there are many tasty options. Game Theory Downtown hosts daily events and a place to gather. Long standing Raleigh independent book store, Quail Ridge hosts free book clubs, author talks, and other events for the book worms. These are just a few suggestions. 

FIND WATER: KEEP MOVING and KEEP IT COOL: One of my movement go-tos in the summer while keeping it cool is walking or gentle swimming in the pool. Downtown pools with memberships include YMCA and the University Club. For those of us who are looking for a deal, the City of Raleigh outdoor pools at Ridge Road, Longview, Biltmore Hills, Lake Johnson is $4 for adults, $3 for kids from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Pools open early for lap swimmers if you want to make a splash before the heat of the day. Who says splash pads are only for kids? Moore Square and Chavis Park provide the cool down. Bonus mental health points for hearing  laughter from children young and old. 

ARTSY FARTSY: You do not need to be an art lover to spend time at The North Carolina Museum of ART. It is, however, wonderfully air conditioned, a lovely space, and if nothing else thought provoking. Being in novel locations is extremely helpful to reduce the effects of SAD. The Gregg Museum is in walking distance from the Longview Counseling Office and is a favorite place of mine to be surprised and inspired.

HOBBIES: Summer is a great time to lean into those indoor hobbies that spark your imagination, get you moving, and connect you to others. Take a dance class and brush up on your Salsa skills. Visit an arts and crafts shop like Craft Habit for inspiration, materials and camaraderie. Break out the home brew supplies and craft that summer beer you’ve been craving. Host a card game with your friends and share some laughs as you try to remember how to keep score!

VOLUNTEER: One of the best boosts to mental, emotional, social and physical health is doing something for someone else.  More than seeking happiness, tapping into values of contribution, service, generosity, community connection can be extremely beneficial to everyone involved. There are stand alone volunteer opportunities in downtown Raleigh or more long term ways to be involved. A recent search on the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle website offered a wide variety of volunteer needs from chopping vegetables to staffing a front desk, delivering meals or watering a garden. Other Raleigh non-profits I follow are Step-Up, Place at the Table, Diaper Bank of NC, Green Chair Project, Oak City Cares, Wake Co SPCA and the City of Raleigh Parks. 

I hope this article provides some insight and inspiration for those of us affected by the long hot summers of North Carolina. Remember that emphasizing meaningful social time, physical movement, adequate sleep and hydration are just as important in the summer as any other time of year. The trick is finding cool indoor places and wet outdoor places that make it comfortable and safe for you!