Seasonal Affective Disorder

[@shenandoah1322]

Wow, so this is actually a thing. I thought it was just me, but everything you are saying about summer depression is me, from sensitivity to light and heat, body image issues, the need to hide self harm scars. I am also very sensitive to noise. I absolutely detest how loud motorcycles are. They drive up my anxiety levels like crazy. The only thing that doesn't bother me is allergies.

[@jasminaloulova9202]

I totally agree with you. Motorcycles and leaf blowers are killers to my nerves. I would add another nightmare - the insects bites I suffer from each and every summer and the insomnia they cause.

[@StarBitt97]

Motorcycles, dirt bikes and 4 wheelers…we live in a really small town…maybe 1,000 people in winter…and it is in a very beautiful place so in the summer we get the massive groups of bikers driving through. There is one thing in September where there are about 250 bikes that come through and the highway is only two blocks from our house so I have to just put on my headphones and hide until it is over. But also, right outside of our town, some parents thought it would be cool to build a dirt bike/ 4 wheeler track for the kids around town. Thankfully I can’t hear the track, but all the dirt bikes and 4 wheelers drive right by our house to get there. They are not supposed to be on city roads, but everyone lets this go because it is ‘for our kids’…what about the retired adults who are going crazy with that constant buzz going on…happened all winter too, though not as bad as this summer!

[@shenandoah1322]

@@StarBitt97 Ugh, dirt bikes are awful too. I wish I could move to the most remote of the Gulf Islands off the West Coast of Canada. All I want are the sounds of nature, waves crashing on the shore, wind in the trees, birds singing, the sound of a stream or river. All of those sounds are music to my ears.

[@jasminaloulova9202]

@@StarBitt97 Oh, my God! You are living in hell. I would not be able to live this way. Motorcycles are my ultimate cryptonite. Here, in Chicago they are not a lot, because the police stops them all the time - they have to have insurance like any other vehicle and traffic is heavy most of the time - not good for bicycles. I am so happy.

[@katemcnulty7924]

So good!!

[@JanuaryZero]

I’m glad I’m not the only one - seems like most people are SO excited about Summer and it’s just the worst time of year for me

[@Jocelynxoxo169]

I know right! I don’t know if it’s just me, but I feel like the sunshine and happiness people have about summer almost mocks my depression:/

[@Katimorton]

I am so sorry you have to deal with this, but so glad I could remind you that you're not alone with it. xoxo

[@indridcold8433]

Summer is for those that like to stink, like crowds, and do ntk care about hygiene. I hate it. Give me the isolation and beauty of late autumn and winter anytime over the crowded, stinky, nasty summers. People are disgusting in summer.

[@agnieszkaadamkiewicz4747]

I love sun and warm weather, but all the pressure stresses me. It's like a new year eve 3 months long. You may not like dancing, you may like to go sleep earlier and you may not have enough money to party all the time, but everybody gonna ask you where have you been and tell you how much fun they have. Even if they know you have depression and never invite you anywhere.

[@JanuaryZero]

@@agnieszkaadamkiewicz4747 Right? Yesterday a family member asked me if I had any fun summer plans and my stomach dropped.

[@trenchcoatmafioso]

I think my summer depression has more to do with watching everyone enjoying summer while I have to work a sh*tty job and have no friends.

[@jalen1838]

That's deep I'm kinda thinking like that too you see so much younger or even content creators for matters having so much success at an early age . They are in their vehicles , houses , it like how can you keep up especially if you don't got what they got the clout $, friends. . I'm just talking about myself . You probably don't feel like that . Comparison is the thief of joy. That's what all social media shows even KZbin is getting like now . Their car shows house tours everybody is vacaying. It's not wise to be on social media of you don't got what they got . It makes the rabbit role deeper .

[@philmecup]

lol, I can relate

[@kpie1104]

I got that summertime sadness

[@bsherenkov4150]

Oh my god, i feel it in the air telephone wires above are sizzling like a snare honey, I'm on fire, i feel it everywhere nothing scares me anymore (one, two, three, four).....

[@kavleenmarwah4373]

Was literally thinking of Lana

[@anupamurali3795]

omg! i felt so original and came to write the same thing- lol!!!

[@swordsnorchids1997]

😭

[@Sheepmansheep]

damn you already beat me to the best comment, now im more sad

[@indridcold8433]

The heat is the reason I hate summer so much. Autumn and winter are the seasons for me. The extended nights and cold is wonderful. Snow, wind, ice, it is all for me!

[@RenePerez-pu4cj]

Something about it getting dark at about 5 ish pm on a winter evening is very calming, comforting and peaceful to me during the winter

[@indridcold8433]

@@RenePerez-pu4cj I exist at night. I very suddenly switched to night existence after being used, betrayed, and very painfully abandoned, in the most cruel of manners. I quit my job, got the night job completely alone 162 kilometers away, and later moved to the location of where my new work and life is. But for two years, I made the 162 kilometer commute. Thus, abandoning my social existence was very easy because of the long commute. In two years I found a very rural home, close to where I work and now work 4 nights a week and have three nights a week off. My nearest neighbour is three kilometers away in one direction and 10 kilometers away the other direction. Since I work from 21:00 to 06:00, I rarely see daylight on work nights. On my nights off, I live at night also because I am accustomed to the night. It is so easy to live without being social. I also never have to worry about abuse, lies, betrayal, people pretending to be a friend but being opportunists instead. Now I do everything alone and at night, and go weeks without seeing humans, save on television. This life is perfect for those that never successfully learned the art of being social. It is indeed an art form. Thus, not all can be good at it. It is not like skill. Anybody can obtain a skill and learn it well, if studied enough. But not anybody can perfect an art. I can not perfect the art of socialising. Now, I do not have to worry about it

[@jalen1838]

The thing about the winter time is at least you can put on many layers on as you can . Sweaters , hoodies, coats. But with the summer time you can only take off only so many layers to stay cool then you still gotta get up and go to work with your work attire uniform on .

[@jalen1838]

The thing about the winter time is at least you can put on many layers on as you can . Sweaters , hoodies, coats. But with the summer time you can only take off only so many layers to stay cool then you still gotta get up and go to work with your work attire uniform on .

[@indridcold8433]

@@jalen1838 I have never understood why people seem to love summer. It is disgusting. I guess some people like to sweat, stink, and like breathing stagnant dirty, air. As you mentioned, you can put on more clothing. In summer, you can be naked and still be hot. It is like being held hostage by bad weather. I do not understand why anybody would want to live in Florida, either. The humidity is always 100%, rain daily, temperatures in the 90s to 100, it is nasty.

[@nopizzawithoutpineapple]

I hate summer. High temperatures are so uncomfortable and make me not wanna do anything, I hate stepping outside and being drenched sweat and feeling stinky and disgusting within minutes. I seriously cant understand how people like summer and wanna go outside during it. I just wanna stay inside all day with my blinds closed. Saying this as someone wth a healthy social life and who likes to go for walks, hikes and bike rides.

[@nikkimckay860]

@nopizzawithoutpinepple. Hello I'm Nikki I can definitely understand and relate to your comment I feel exactly the same in the heat and summer I get very bad hot sweats and sometimes headaches when I go out in the heat I always end up feeling sticky and uncomfortable I get body conscious because I don't like wearing shorts or little sleeveless tops. Outside i much prefer to cover up .The heat make me feel sick sometimes too also yes high temperature also makes me feel like not doing anything sept staying at home and chilling In my room and closeing my curtains. so I'm with you there but not the bottom part as I don't honestly have a social life or Meany friends. Outside of social media still it's good to communicate and connect with people on here .my social anxiety makes it honestly very difficult for me to meet new people .outside of social media and hang out with them 😢

[@joannelarose8198]

Same here. The Summer is becoming too hot and humid.

[@nopizzawithoutpineapple]

@@nikkimckay860 yeah, same with the long sleeves n stuff. The social life and activities weren't always there for me, took years of therapy to get there but I'm there now. Still not ideal mental health wise, but I've made a lot of progress.

[@jasminaloulova9202]

@@nikkimckay860 Summer is the most hateful season - from heat, humidity, insects bites, the jerks with the loud motorcycles.

[@j-stew8461]

As a Phoenician I can totally relate

[@accidentsafe]

I hate Summer. It's hot, suffocating, and my brain slows down to a crawl. I just want to be in bed with the AC on high.

[@nopizzawithoutpineapple]

Yeah 💀

[@MrRobot-jb5tI]

One thing that is definitely high during summer is the electric bill.

[@nikkimckay860]

@accidentsafe. I can completely understand and relate to your comment ❤🙏🏻

[@MCMTreasures]

Same..

[@muzerhythm2242]

Same here! I'm in Texas and starting the day at 82° at 8am is just too much! I LITERALLY feel like someone sucked all the energy out of me like cryptonite to Superman. I'm forgetful and sometimes randomly throw things in the trash I don't remember doing. 😔

[@ciara6359]

Summer anxiety is what I've called it. I feel suffocated during the summer, like I can't breathe. And I don't want to go anywhere because I can't tolerate the heat at all. Summer is overstimulating to me with the heat, humidity, and even the sounds. It's just too bright and overwhelming. The cold and calm of winter is such a relief to me every year.

[@nikkimckay860]

@ciara6359. Hello I'm Nikki nice to meet you I really can relate to and understand your comment. I'm exactly the same when it comes to summer and the heat. Sometimes I feel very depressed or possibly it could be summer anxiety too. Yes it's very overwhelming sometimes and I hate bright colourful things I sometimes get headaches in the heat and sickness. I also suffer from very bad hot sweats that leave me feeling drenched and uncomfortable I also get body conscious so I don't wear shorts or little sleeveless tops I like to stay covered up in the summer this Kati topic video is definitely important and helpful 😊

[@nikkimckay860]

@ciara6359. I like and definitely prefer the colder months and weather 😊

[@gardeniagorgeous4232]

I am counting the days til autumn and winter return so I can once again jump out of bed full of energy. I can’t wait for cloudy gray skies, lovely rainy days, and I really love those crisp winter days where the sun is shining brightly but it’s so fresh and cold.

[@MrEpsilonZero]

Does anyone actually have energy in summer? Heat zaps my energy and when it gets to 35/40C 95/105F It is just too much effort to move and to think. Stay hydrated everyone.

[@kidwolfman]

Yes, they do… and they have no idea why other people don’t.

[@MrRobot-jb5tI]

For me, summer used to be all about going out, going out a lot with friends, being social, and doing many outdoor activities but now it's become overwhelming and exhausting. It's like my tolerance for sensory stimulation decreases with age. I always look forward to the fall, as it can feel like a relief, especially with the cooler weather and the quietness that comes when it gets less chaotic out. I feel like I can breathe better.

[@ihartevil]

Its the work and why the summer reading needs to be illegal Summer is supposed to be about the beach and for people who are fat to remind them they need to lose weight and go for a walk summer the best time to lose weight

[@MrRobot-jb5tI]

@@ihartevil Summer is literally hell. Feels like nothing but fire and brimstone.

[@ihartevil]

@@MrRobot-jb5tI how much work do you have Thats probably why no more time to relax and go to the beach and relax You try to do that you might be thinking about work and no time to actually relax For me I still enjoy the summer I stayed in great shape and due to things being shut down never got another job so I get to enjoy it the way its supposed to be (my life hard in a lot of ways but things like this the glimmers that Kati talked about)

[@katharinaa.9166]

Same here @ "It's like my tolerance for sensory stimulation decreases with age.", and I'm only in my mid-30s 😰. Also I always factor in climate change and fear of the future ....... And this tolerance thing sadly also seems to apply to going to gigs, which makes me sad. I still want to believe I can enjoy them more than I do now at some point in the future and it's not all going downhill from here loool

[@ihartevil]

@katharinaa.9166 my aunt wants to take me to a water park I told her after July 4th mainly thats my moms birthday but a lot of people travel around then I need the heat I get cold very easily and grew up in Massachusetts when it snows I am unable to move usually I am able to break free from that but I almost got frostbite from it (I am pretty sure .5 stage but it might have been stage one I kept moving my hands to keep it from becoming stage 1) Ice baths in the summer work for a lot of people I forget the name of the outdoor ones but jesse wellens owns one

[@viola1699]

For me, summer is a reminder of a time when I felt truly alone. During the school year, I had the structure of classes and the presence of peers, even if my parents weren't very attentive. But during the summer holidays, the loneliness was profound - no parents, no school, and no companionship. This has left me with a strong association between summer and the feeling of being alone.

[@gardeniagorgeous4232]

Yes yes. This! Me too. And I knew friends were off visiting family or going on vacations. Meanwhile I was in a dark house and was alone all day. SUUUUPER isolating/boring/depressing. Oh and hating the heat and the sticky sweatiness didn’t help.

[@viola1699]

@@gardeniagorgeous4232 It was also my childhood. Even though we didn't experience it together, we went through it in the same way. Therefore, we share common memories and likely similar traits and traumas that shaped us.

[@gardeniagorgeous4232]

⁠@@viola1699yes, sometimes now as an adult, and summer arrives… I get sad and wonder why. I have plans to commit to fun trips or even fun indoor activities during the summer so my summers aren’t forever sad. Getting away to a cooler city, spa days, cafe visits with friends, book clubs, cooking classes, museums. We deserve happiness in the summer too. Wishing you future summers of happiness and contentment! ❤️

[@Rubyisgrowing]

I can’t stand the noise of summer. Winter is so much quieter, I really struggle with banging,shouting and children screaming, and it feels constant in summer

[@gloriastroedecke2717]

Yes, neighbors with motorcycles and BBQs that last past midnight with drunk arguing guests.

[@Emilygoesplaces314]

I don’t have SAD, but I hate summer. It’s too hot and there’s too much sunshine. How most ppl feel in the winter - that’s how I feel in the summer. I don’t want to go out. But when it’s cold, dark and snowing, I throw on all my layers and practically run outside.

[@gardeniagorgeous4232]

Same same. I’ve been know to sing that one song a different way. “Blue skies are gonna cloud up! Put on a happy face…” I simply can’t wait for fall and winter, the bestest times of the year. They are so soothing and just make me buzz with energy.

[@gardeniagorgeous4232]

Being an overweight kid and young adult made me feel I didn’t “deserve” to enjoy sunny days and had to cover my body when everyone was in hot weather clothing. Maybe that’s why I cling to cloudy days/rainy days/cold days. Everyone has to bundle up and I’m not the odd man out. Fall and winter were these cozy seasons where I had sweaters and blankets and hot drinks. Something to provide warmth and comfort. Where I could stay inside and it wasn’t weird.

[@plantloverfreya]

I feel this so much! ❤

[@MMStrademark]

I know why summertime really depresses me. I will sound selfish I know, but watching people go to places on you tube,places I would love to see like Universal Studios or Six Flags, Yet I full well know these places are either too far away or too expensive for me to be able to visit them. That really gets me down. Especially because when my Parents were still alive, we used to travel so much more as a child & I really miss traveling or I just also really miss my Parents.

[@CODancrBunny]

In an attempt to find an answer for why I feel like a shell of myself in the summer, I came across this video. I have never felt more seen. For basically all of the reason you've mentioned, plus some, I hate summer. One of the things I noticed for the first time this year is that I feel like I'm missing out during the summer. My favorite bands hold outdoor concerts in the summer months, my town does various outdoor festivals, friends hold barbeques and get-togethers and I usually don't or can't go. I'm deeply ashamed of this and that all contributes to the depression I feel during summer. Immediately when the weather starts to change to fall and winter, I become the person I genuinely feel like I am and I am happy and LOVE going out to do things. All of this to say, this video validated my feelings and that is invaluable.

[@kj-sf4md]

I once the psychiatrist i seem to always be more depressed during summer, and thought it was SAD. He told me no, that's only in the winter months. Later, i shared that thought with a therapist. She said that made sense. Cause of history of childhood neglect & abuse, exposure was worse during summer, as that is when school was out. That explained a lot more. So yes, it seasonal depression and in my area we have FOUR seasons.

[@MCMTreasures]

Yep, the body/mind often remembers trauma, and if summer was a hellscape growing up, it takes work to get out of that.

[@SarahBurnette1007]

I think people get SAD in the summer because it causes the same effects.... it's TOO HOT to be outside, too humid, too sticky.... sooooo we stay inside in the AC and no sunlight. It's just as bad as wintertime. My stepdad and I were JUST talking about this the other day.

[@Bassett743]

I personally loathe the summer. I can't stand it whenever there's a heatwave and I've always hated the longer days. I always look forward to the autumn and winter. I feel so slow and down in the summer. I'm glad I found this video and it's not just me. Thank you Kati.

[@fakiriayoub8087]

Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.

[@MohamedZaitoun-mh9ht]

Can you help with the reliable source I would really appreciate it. Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. Very hard to get a reliable source here in Australia. Really need!

[@Somusicais]

Yes, dr.porassss. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@MohamedZaitoun-mh9ht]

Is he on instagram?

[@Somusicais]

Yes he is dr.porassss.

[@BestOffer-ii9ny]

Microdosing helped me get out of the pit of my worst depressive episode, a three year long episode, enough to start working on my mental health.

[@CuteCatsofIstanbul]

Finally! The video I've been waiting for my WHOLE LIFE! I've always hated LOATHED summer months. I always blamed it on my social anxiety, my awkwardness, my alien-likeness, having no close friends so my diagnosis 'I'm envious of seeing people out and about.' But then I did get those friends for a few years and I still hated summer! So I blamed it on my body dysmorphia ... now at age 47, also suffering from heat intolerance due to physical illness - extensive sweating, difficulty breathing, vertigo, fainting etc. - I knew it was more than all those things combined. It is an even lonelier place because everyone seems to love summer. I don't. I've finally accepted it. I'm counting down the days. I have my list of distractions, number for doctors and therapists when it gets really dark. I wish everyone lots of strength. 😻

[@coolm3th]

This is so validating. I get so lethargic and sad in the summer. I've finally decided it's okay to go out once or twice a month for the "summer festivities" and that's it and the rest is just inside in the a/c taking care of me and friends.

[@MulderHiggins]

this seasonal depression has been going all year round, doc

[@bsherenkov4150]

Sad but yet ironic So relatable, lol.

[@Katimorton]

I am so sorry.. if it's happening year round then it's not seasonal it would be MDD, and seeing a therapist and psychiatrist could help you pull yourself out of it :) xoxo

[@MulderHiggins]

@@Katimorton thanks. when i have enough money i'll try my best to find a therapist

[@whenthestarsalignonyt]

I'm so glad someone is finally talking about it. Summertime is torture to me. Zero energy, it's hard for me to sleep, walk or do anything because it's so freaking hot and I can't stand the light till 9 pm, l feel like I can't ever rest.

[@plantloverfreya]

Im not happy people are going through this, but Im seriously happy Im not the only one who wants to hibernate all summer😅

[@linsling]

But also just personally... Every part of this hit home. I have fibromyalgia and the heat and humidity aggravate it and cause flares. Some of my medications (including my antidepressant) increase susceptibility to heat exhaustion and I have to be really careful. The heat can give me migraines and the only thing I can do is lie down with the curtains drawn, chug ice water (it HAS to be iced), and crank my window AC unit up as much as possible. The FOMO hits me HARD-- there's an increase in friends on FB posting photos of their vacations and BBQ's that I wasn't invited to, a lot more shows/concerts happening and I either can't go because I'm broke, or only just hear about them a day AFTER. I'm in a recovery phase with my anorexia but my dysmorphia can trigger relapses due to wearing more revealing clothing, which alsooooo triggers my gender dysphoria (dysmorphia and dysphoria go hand-in-unlovable-hand).

[@Tilly236]

Summer is my favourite season, but I feel loneliest too. I'm very isolated due to chronic illness, and so many events are on that I'd love to go to. Also, I don't have many friends to do things with, and don't want to go alone. Seeing people sitting in groups on the grass or beach really highlights how much time I spend alone. There's also a music festival where I live, so almost everyone I know has gone, there's photos all over social media, and yet again I'm either not well enough to go, and/or have no one to go with.

[@Diane_McDon]

This is me

[@oceanluvngal]

I could have written this. It's like being invited to a party you are excited about attending only to realize once there that you are locked out, again, watching the fun through the window and no one comes to let you in.

[@MCMTreasures]

@@oceanluvngal Yep, accept it happens again and again, until you just stop showing up at the party.

[@jamielarsen3749]

I live in Central Washington right now, I can confirm that the sun during parts of the summer doesn't go down until almost 10pm. June 21st is Summer Solstice (the longest day of the year) the sun started going down around 9:40pm. I was driving to work.

[@mackieTen]

I never clicked so fast! I thought something was definitely wrong with me to be depressed in the Summer the last few years.

[@Qija1]

For some reason I feel most depressed during winter and summer. Idk why spring and autumn feel more normal

[@coolm3th]

That makes sense, though. They're both seasons of extreme, so it affects you very extremely and causes a lot of discomfort

[@jclyntoledo]

Same! I prefer the transition seasons so much

[@StephanieDineley]

I'm a teacher and although a part of me is ALWAYS excited for summer, I also know I struggle the most this time of year. Money is tight, my routine is flipped upside down, I don't feel productive, I don't feel like I get any time to myself, I'm sweating 24/7 (worse now thanks to new meds), and I feel an immense amount of guilt trying to keep my 6 and 15 yr old happy without overspending....which is hard when they see everyone else going on lavish vacations. Money is probably the biggest issue... since we've been paying two mortgages for several years we've not been able to afford family vacations- which is so dissappointing as a mom who wanted to give my kids more than I had growing up. Logically I know I have given them WAY more when it comes to love/acceptance/my time with them, but these are the things that keep me up at night. This year I told myself I'm not allowed to stay up all night and I have to get up when my husband leaves for work (at 7ish). I spend an hour of "me time" and then my 6yr old and I do a few things before I start daily chores. I have free/cheap outings planned, our little pool is ready to go, and we always have family game nights. I've been extremely sick the first 2 weeks of break but I'm hoping these ideas will help. I'm already dreading the first teacher workday where the principal makes a slideshow of all the amazing vacations/photos from the staff. Last year I jokingly submitted a picture my entire family playing Mario Party in our living room 😂.

[@hilary2457]

I feel like I’m trapped inside all day waiting for the sun to go down. Daily walks make me happy. I get depressed when I have to wait alllllll fucking day to do something

[@OneinaMilianDesigns]

I’ve noticed I definitely get depressed in May and June. By July, I’m usually making efforts to get outside to the local park and focus on things that spark joy. I also started meditating since last July and it’s been helping a lot.

[@MountainsoftheHeart]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I relate to most of these: Heat and light sensitivity, allergies, sleep issues, and body image. Swimming is the only thing I like about summer and I don’t get to enjoy it like I used to for multiple reasons.

[@claudiamatallana8095]

OMG for so many years I thought I was crazy.. THANK YOU so much for this video. I absolutely HATE summer.. But I never heard of anyone talking and explaining this issue. How can I fix it? How can we feel better? I feel this is all I talk about with everyone and NO ONE was understanding.

[@michaeljohnson7493]

I’m a heavy guy; I can work up a sweat on a “nice” day. I live in the South too, so it’s pretty uncomfortable from mid-May to mid-September, and sometimes outside of those dates too, in years when the heat really decides to lay it on us. I have just the biggest smile on my face in October, knowing there won’t be a 90-degree day for several months. Oddly, for some reason I feel better this summer than in years past. I don’t know why. I totally don’t understand my mind at all, but I know I don’t like constantly sweating and being feasted upon by mosquitoes, so when a sad era for me coincides with summer, it just makes it worse. If I’m feeling down in the other seasons, I just go outside to get some air, and that helps a little. Hot and humid summer air is good for nothing. I’m ready for pumpkin spice and football.

[@halfmoonjoker1907]

Thank you so much for talking about this! I’ve never known anyone but me that has this! Summer feels like days that last years where I’m suffering, but then winter has these dark and quiet peaceful days and nights so it’s such a relief!

[@StarBitt97]

I am very grateful that my husband wanted to move to Colorado (from Dallas) when we retired and that he was good with moving to a small town at a higher altitude. Because I have MS as you mentioned…plus with MS I have a very serious problem with the sun touching my skin…it feels like I have a very severe sunburn. Even in Colorado at 8,000 ft. right now it has been in the 90’s…so I am stuck inside in the a/c…and it feels very alone. Thankfully the timeframe that it is too hot up here is shorter than it was in Texas. I was miserable and getting sick so much faster there. Here at least the MS has slowed down and I am in remission and I can go about somewhat normal days.

[@macsarcule]

Summer has a lot of bad associations for me from growing up. Family relationships and behaviors became very different and painful in the spring and summer growing up on a farm. There was severe treatment and behaviors this time of year, and lots of manual labor in the heat and sun. I had a few instances of heat exhaustion growing up (thankfully never heat stroke), and this makes it harder to do things in the heat. There was an expectation to act and work like an adult as early as school age. This is multiplied with the expectation that you’re supposed to be out “living your best life” in the sun, doing fun things. This weather just takes me back to labor in the sun as a child. Everyone feeling great just makes you feel you’re broken. I love fall and winter because those were times of higher moods and more relaxed moods growing up. Harvest meant finishing work and winter was much less work and more relaxation. Everyone’s moods became so much more friendly and more kind in my house (I wouldn’t call it nurturing or understanding, but kinder and more enjoyable). I spend soooooo much time outdoors in winter compared to summer. It’s so much more comfortable and enjoyable. It’s where I find peace. My love of winter gets reactions of confusion and disgust from work colleagues here in the Midwest. That makes you feel outside of acceptance as well, even in the happiest time of the year for me. I was overweight as a kid too and there was a lot of shaming in the summer when you have less clothing on. More seen, yes. I hate even getting the mail and being seen. Lots of shame there my therapist and I discuss. And summer makes it SO hard to sleep. Light sensitivity is a strong factor for me as well. It’s always too bright at bedtime and early morning. I’m very fortunate to have no allergy problems, that would just make it even worse, I can’t imagine. When you're very little, you never feel safe, and eventually learn to feel unsafe all the time. I am the least safe, the most jittery and jumpy in the summer.

[@talkingtina4519]

It’s so hard to function in the summer…. I can’t concentrate, I want to sleep, not talk I filled caged. Gray skies and cold weather give me energy…

[@marieke.80]

Same!! And I hate those long days.. if you have to wake up early you have to go to bed when it's still light😒 I miss my evenings and can't wait when the days are getting shorter again.

[@talkingtina4519]

@@marieke.80 the only thing that used to get me through was swimming and that’s difficult when you live an complex with 5 gazllion kids, fun for them which is excellent but not peaceful for someone battling depression.

[@jeenajoan]

Look at that... I have always felt SAD creeping up, whenever my allergy kicks in. But I didn't know that was actually a thing. WOW! Thank you

[@The_Dudester]

The month before and after the summer solstice is the hardest time of the year for me because of the duration of daylight.

[@Caton96]

I only looked up to see if summer sadness was a thing. Glad I came across this video... seems it wasn't just me feeling low throughout summer. Makes so much sense, from the sensitivity, allergies, the fear of missing out on activities and hiding away throughout the summer months... thank you for this! :)

[@WellDanielle]

I love summer so much that it makes me anxious because I know it’s fleeting ☹️. I feel a pressure to seize every sunny moment.

[@ksaas9]

Thank you for making this video. I went from one extreme to another (AK to AZ) a few years back and the summer made me depressed in AZ. Heat, intensity, allergies in AZ made me sad in the summer. Living in OR is better but still hard when it’s 100+ degrees. I welcome the rain!!!!

[@77dris]

I LOVE Winter and I live in one of the coldest cities on earth. Can't get enough of Winter. But Summer makes me anxious and often depressed (and it's uncomfortable). I love that you are actually addressing this.

[@stacib1992]

My depression definitely gets worse in the summertime. I either dress up in cute colors or i dress in all black. Its hard to wear all black on super hot days but its what feels right to wear lol

[@Paulohlsson7]

Hi Staci, how's your day going with you?

[@Chicasueca79]

It's also about looking at everyone you know traveling and going all over the world, while you're stuck inside working.

[@jclyntoledo]

Honestly that's why it's been so hard to work more even though I know more income would be better

[@taz2906]

oh thank goodness Im not the only one

[@kolimarie]

I have SAD in all 4 seasons. Sooo… just depression.

[@MyWorldMelissa]

MS'er here. I used to love summer now I dread it and that makes my mental health a bit tenuous in the summer months.

[@Paulohlsson7]

Hi Melissa, how's your day going with you?

[@lepetitecherie]

Thank you so much for this. Summer crushes me.

[@WebVid]

I’m so glad you’re covering summer SAD. For me, it’s very real. I find the sunlight intensity, and daylight duration is a factor for me. I rejoice at overcast days. I’m much more calm.

[@karenbutcher1240]

Thank you for this video. I can't pretend to be happy in the summer and always have an escape plan for leaving picnics and other festivities.

[@bre4nn]

I thought I was making this up. I have type 1 bipolar disorder, but I have noticed over the past however many years that my deepest depression episodes always start around the beginning of summer. I don't have full remission from depression during the rest of the year, obviously, but the way you described what makes it "summer depression" is actually how I've found myself every year. It's such an awkward and indescribable thing I've been dealing with.

[@katharinaa.9166]

I haven't been feeling great all year :D, but during summer I always feel worse :D. So there's like a seasonal add-on to the usual baggage :)))).

[@CarlyRaeJempsen]

I dread summer every year. I hate it so much. I really do hibernate in my apartment for months. I want to go out and do stuff, but actually doing it is whole other can of worms. I just can't get myself to do it.

[@MintyFreshCupcakes]

Every year May-August I feel so agitated and depressed. I'm glad I'm not the only one. People think im joking when I say summer makes me depressed. I can't sleep or sit still, quick to anger, nothing makes me happy. And constant thoughts of dying. And somehow the heat and light amplifies it x10. I manage with therapy, melatonin and closing the blinds when I get home from work in the summer. Once it cools down and starts to get darker I feel so much better.

[@staciemccann2898]

Wow... i was just saying this yesterday but i didn't know it was actually a thing. Im just sitting here waiting for Fall and dark nights "Summer Depression" (Girl In Red) has been in my head for weeks now... Every year I get like this and it gets worse every year. Thank you for this video and for validating the non-summer people ❤

[@leonievh1223]

I always feel ashamed because of my scares because of people that make me feel like that I can relate to a lot in this video now I know I'm not alone when you are alone in your thoughts it can get very lonely it is easy to think you are alone when you don't have someone to talk to sometimes it is good to have someone to talk to and feels like they hear you and understand you it makes things a little easier so thank you for sharing this with us I always listen to your advice because it helps me a lot because there was times I really didn't know what to do but I am a lot better now

[@bsherenkov4150]

Music is the way to go sometimes when the therapy isn't available in the place you live in.

[@justmadeit2]

If a person is extremely depressed then music doesn’t work. It doesn’t for me. It all depends how depressed a person is though

[@bsherenkov4150]

@@justmadeit2 no doubt about it, actually, in the severe cases of depression it could make things too much worse, based on my experience with the whole thing. I hope you get the peace of mind you deserve.

[@justmadeit2]

@@bsherenkov4150 Thanks

[@brookec.b.3611]

Wow, thank you so much for this video. I haven't been feeling well, and I couldn't figure it out - This is so so helpful. 💜

[@ylana4444]

I absolutely love summer! I love the heat! I love the water, swimming and surfing in the ocean and cold drinks! I get depressed in the winter. I hate being cold, it’s actually painful. My body seizes up. Sunshine feeds my soul!

[@wyndy77]

I have spring depression, and I know that’s very weird. It starts in late February and lasts until June. It’s more anxiety than depression, although depression is a symptom. I can’t exactly pinpoint why.

[@ynotw57]

Crazy! I was recording a podcast yesterday, and we got to talking about summer plans. One of the show members said they hate summer, and another mentioned SAD during the summer...then this video comes out the same day we release our episode. What a coincidence! Thanks for the video, Kati.

[@alliecreates6038]

I feel like im supposed to be doing activities outside because the weather is so nice. Well thats great if you have friends, people to do things with - ugh....

[@ADogNamedBoo]

Summer = headaches, sweating, allergies, no appetite. I live in Maine, which is good, but I have no A/C. I literally count the days until Labor Day.

[@Rockhoppr3]

I was never a fan of spring and summer cuz of the heat and allergies. It always made me grumpy and not wanna do anything. Tho, tbh my depression symptoms actually stays year round, so its not exclusively during summer😅 Also, the part about having to hide self inflicted scars during summer is so true! I can't wear anything more that short sleeve t-shirts and shorts in the summer and I'd be horrified if I had to show my scars to the world. Fortunately, I'll be four months clean this Thursday and all my scars are mostly faded. For anyone who still has visible scars, I'd recommend looking for arm and leg rash guards, similar to what cyclists wear. They should also help you keep cool as well in the heat.

[@DrkL3gend]

I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your book "Are U Ok? A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health" has helped me understand how I've truly been feeling my entire life. And opened up a new chapter into my life... recovery!

[@dio69666]

Most people who have it probably just were really lonely and lacked friends as kids, and they were emotionally subconsciously conditioned to remember

[@ashleighdevault6696]

My depression is usually worse in the summer. Short days and darkness paired with cool weather and rain actually significantly boosts my mood and gives me energy. It’s been this way since I was at least six years old when I began to associate summertime with being alone because school was out and I would spend all my time ruminating about things that worried me. I also have sensitive eyes a lot and don’t do well in heat. I have depressive symptoms year-round, but they are usually worse in summer. I live in San Diego where everyone always talks about how lucky we are to live here and how it’s ’another beautiful day in San Diego’, but I’ve never been able to relate. I want to close the curtains on a sunny, cloudless day. It almost doesn’t feel real, or makes me feel numb like life is plastic and in order to feel alive I need a change of pace. Can anyone else relate to this or am I nuts?

[@mackturtle2335]

Wow! This was so validating! Thank you 💖

[@jeffk7734]

I have a unique situation in that since 2009, the summer time has generally been where not so good things have happened to me. When fall comes, things even out, and fall here in Western New York is great, and always has been. As summer has approached, I become on edge. Some of my worst times here have taken place in the summer, but soon thereafter, things even out.

[@Saraflowerk]

It's really complex for me. I'm an August baby & grew up loving the heat. I was a tanning queen in my teens then learned you can get premature aging from tanning, so I limited tanning in my 20s and now have barely any wrinkles at 42. So I'm not going to spend my summers all day at the beach - I might do that 2x in a whole summer. I'm an introvert and have always felt best when it's raining. I still like hot sunny days (I can tolerate high heat) but I'm happiest when it rains. After some significant losses on hot summer days (two deaths) i noticed I started getting literal depression in the summer. I still enjoy a nice hot day but some days are hard - when there's a lot of noise and big events I don't feel like going to it can dampen my mood. Yet I love going to some events - I'm going to a festival this summer & can't wait!! So it depends. I thrive during rainy seasons.

[@eledeog]

My ex-girlfriend has EPP (Erytropoëtische protoporfyrie), easy but not best explaination: an allergy to the sun, wich makes her get subcutaneous inflammation on any piece of skin gets unprotected contact with the sunlight. And protection does mean clothing, preferably UV-protective clothing, not amount of sun cream could be effective for this. So when it's really hot you avoid going outside, because all the extra clothing you have to wear while it's already warm, is not very pleasant. Also: people stare at you because you wear so many clothes in hot weather. Many things combined make you stay inside more and not have much social interaction in summer in this situation. So she got/gets quite isolated in summers and with her triving in social interaction: that is what gave/gives her sad in summer... I don't really like summer that much myself either, because I have a high sensitivity to light (amoung other sensitivities), wich makes me get headaches from the sun sometimes. This is of course much less severe than EPP and doesn't prevent me from coming outside in the summer (never without my sunglasses (with highest possible protection against the sun) though. But I also don't have sad, because my symptoms don't go away in other seasons.

[@Jae-by3hf]

I definitely have Summer depression and I thought that it was just me and there was something wrong with me! I relate to lots of points in this video. Currently in the UK, we are having around 16 hours of daylight & it’s unbearable and throws off my senses! I wear a sleep mask and my body still detects that it is light outside & so my sleep is messed up, on top of my insomnia. I hate the intense heat, it makes me sweat, angry, tired & miserable. I have fomo, because it’s summer and I’ve looked forward to warmer days all year round & I’m wasting it, by staying inside! Lastly my birthday is at the end of summer/beginning of autumn & I love my birthday, but it’s another reminder of how alone I am! Summer is very exhausting for me!

[@MadAboutBrows]

My summer SAD is because there are too many daylight hours for me to get sufficient sleep. I spend summer's peak grouchy because of it 😢

[@mari23_13]

Finally someone's talking about it! I thought I was going crazy! It always happens to me but I never heard anyone talking about it

[@RandomKun]

Hello Kati. I live in Rajasthan, India. It is absolutely scorching at around 45°C these days and I have experience quite a few days when I feel extremely sad. But I love winters. I wait for them. So glad to know I am not an insane guy.

[@marinakiell1069]

Irritable in hot weather 🙋🏼‍♀️ me me me! Also i hate that the sun comes up at 5:15am and don’t like that the sun goes down at 8:30pm and not 6:30pm

[@jeffk7734]

I had this problem when I was in Little Rock during the summer. I was at a training program, and even though one of those summers I was in a program I was interested in, I still had a tough time in the summer. The other summer I was there I was in a program I agreed to try, but it wasn’t something I really wanted, and my days and nights just blurred into one stressful mess in where I was considering suicide. Every time I’ve had trouble here in the summer, I always tell myself that it could be much worse.

[@brybaby89]

I have BPD and Summer SAD ... And whoooooo buddy, it's a lot. 😅 Specifically that jittery anxious part. Thanks so much for talking about this! So many people look like at you like you just picked your nose when you say you get Summer depression. It's bs.

[@Jawskillaful]

Now I’m not sure if this counts as Seasonal Affective Disorder, but I noticed that it is the winter time where I usually become more depressed and tend to have a heightened anxiety, which I definitely attribute mostly to the fact that the sun is out for a shorter period of time

[@puckettrita75]

I 💯 % relate to this! I have severe allergies and I have to have weekly shots along with my daily medication I get migraines when I get too hot I break out from what my dr calls " sun allergy" I also live in texas Most mornings, it's already around 80 degrees by 9 or 10 am and it's still in the 80's in the late evening 🙏🙏🙏for you all 🖖 May you live long and prosper

[@jennsuicune]

I suffer from severe allergies too 🥺. I even have tinnitus due to them, we have a lot of ambrosia here... I even am afraid to go out because of pollen. Tried desensitisation but it doesn't seem to work.

[@shockingheaven]

The horrible hot season where I live is spring, especially late spring. I hate it. I feel so irritable, so sad, and can't sleep well due to the temperature and all the hours we have sunlight. As soon as summertime arrives and rainy days are more frequent, I do feel better.

[@martynka808]

Finally... I hate summer and i'm tired of hearing "OMG whaaat how can you say that" whenever i mention it. I honestly believe people like summer because they still associate it with having time off from school even though as adults they don't anymore. Personally i hate the heat, i'm very sensitive to it, i sweat a lot and i get swollen and puffy. My low self esteem really suffers. Not to mention i feel like everyone keeps taking amazing trips and doing fun things with loads of friends and i'm just wandering how do they afford it and who has that much time off...

[@kidwolfman]

🤯 Holy *********… those symptoms are so specific and accurate. Early 40’s in the Northeast… every year of my life. Thank you Kati

[@bun9000]

I stress about Summer being “around” the corner starting the first day of fall. It’s literally the worse time of year.

[@swordsnorchids1997]

Too many illnesses exists whether mental or physical it's sad 😔

[@Billn1971]

Winter time is always the worse for me. I often feel suicidal. 🙄

[@thecatsbackyard4833]

Eerily impeccable timing for this video. Thank you

[@thewryreport]

OMG I always felt/was made to feel like a freak/that there's something wrong with me.... thank you thank you thank you for this video!!!!

[@linsling]

THANK YOU!! I seriously thought I was the only one! To add to the dysmorphia bit-- a TON of transgender people experience a thousand percent more gender dysphoria in summer. Wearing a binder in the heat (uncomfortable and even dangerous). Concealer sweating off, making stubble visible. **Going to the beach.** Needing to wear more revealing clothing in general, putting our curves-- or lack thereof-- on display for all to see. Pride events leaving us with crushing FOMO because they are inaccessible to disabled people and/or not inclusive to trans people. It goes on...

[@stephb3791]

I despise summer. DESPISE IT. I cannot for the life of me understand why people like it so much or live in states where it gets and stays over 100 for days on end. I lived in Florida for almost 4 years and hated every. single. second. The only place I would go when I lived there was the pool and now I don't like to swim. I almost never go out and don't make any plans that involve outdoor activities in the summer unless it's up in the mountains where it's 20 degrees cooler. I literally feel like I cannot breathe, humidity or not - humidity is WAY worse - when the temp reaches 85 or higher. I sweat so much that it's uncomfortable and also embarrassing if I don't plan ahead and wear black if I'm outside more than 20 minutes (black is the only color that hides most wet sweat stains). If I am outside unexpectedly, getting inside in air conditioning is all I can think about. There is ZERO enjoyment of the moment or the people I am with. The heat also increases hot flashes and disrupts my ablility to sleep which just makes my mood that much worse. Did I mention the smell? Sweat soaked skin stinks. I live in CO so I actually start to feel depressed and irrationally angry when warm temps start to creep in early in the year, like April or March, because it just reminds me that summer is coming. With every passing year the warm temps last longer and longer and start earlier and earlier. Right now were in a string of 90's, it just makes me cry because it's not even July yet. I live for fall and winter so I don't have to feel trapped in my house. It just can't come soon enough or last long enough for me. Summer sucks

[@icem6765]

I'm depressed and anxious sm this after a rollercoaster of a year.

[@CaliforniaBabe0525]

I will also add that summer can feel bad when you don't have a lot of money to do fun stuff. I work in education and summer can be hard when you have a 3 months of free time and nothing to do because your loved ones work regular jobs and you aren't rich. There's only so much to watch on TV 😅. But routines help for sure Also sun burns suck. Don't forget to wear your sunscreen 🧴.

[@NONCOPYRIGHTMUSICNEW]

Hii i am sad but i never addressed it. And i think i am feeling good now 😊

[@knqxr]

This was so validating

[@carolynmcmillan7083]

Definitely for me is the being seen x

[@Paulohlsson7]

Hi Carolyn, how's your day going with you?

[@ResortDog]

There is such a thing as Solar effects too and it does effect women more than men in the studies. We are in an active period where the effects are increasing.

[@caravb5906]

Having a light bulb moment. Didn't know i had it. Worked in climate controlled environments all my working life. Always working in summer and holiday out of season due to availability and crowds and getting a bargain. Now it freaks me out to admit i don't like heat, bright sun and noise. I live in a seaside village and its more apparent