The weather is warm, graduations are over, and you’ve been to at least a couple of weddings, yet you are feeling blue. There is no obvious reason. There has been no tragedy or trauma. But while you can see that the world is going on around you, and you know it would be good to join in, for some reason you just can’t lift yourself out of the grayness that envelops you. This is classic summertime depression.
At this time of year, depression is all too common. In fact, suicide rates during the summer months are higher than during the holiday season.
Depression strikes millions of people every year, but most people don’t do anything to get themselves out of it, because they feel their low mood will eventually go away on its own. In some cases it definitely can, but not in every case.
Depression can also affect your physical health, because taking care of yourself is difficult when you are depressed. You may have trouble making health care decisions, following your doctor’s directions and dealing with physical illness. Being in a good mental place really does affect your physical health.
Even people in good physical health can have a hard time navigating daily life when in the grips of depression. You may want to stay in bed and pull the covers up over your head until the feeling goes away. The problem with that is, much of the time it will make things only worse.
Symptoms of depression vary, and there are some unusual ones that people don’t generally associate with this uncomfortable condition. For example, anxiety can be a depressive symptom, as can irritability, oversleeping and weight gain. The most common symptoms are hopelessness, helplessness, crying, feeling tired, feeling worthless, feeling guilty and a loss of interest in normal activities, including relationships.
Depression also tends to be worse during the day. If these symptoms are present every day for at least two weeks, you should get yourself checked out by a medical professional or a therapist.
There are things you can do to alleviate depression, and coming to grips with the fact that you are depressed is a big first step. Doing simple things that are good for you can help you begin to take control of your mood and get your life back. These include watching your diet, exercising and talking about your feelings, as well as avoiding things that can worsen your mood, like drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs.
Depression is more easily treated today than ever before. With psychotherapy, improved medications and common-sense interventions, many, many people have been helped. You, or someone you care for, can be one of them.
Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D., is also a columnist, the author of eight books and a blogger for PsychologyToday.com. He is available for video consults world-wide, reach him at Barton@BartonGoldsmith.com
About the Author