Self-Care for Summer Months

BAY COUNTY, FL - As we navigate through the months of June and July, enjoying our Red Snapper Season we must also pay attention to our Summer Mental Health. Summer indeed is full of challenges and requires more patience while the local’s welcome travelers from all over the world to the most beautiful beaches in the world. This brings a unique set of challenges for some people in the Summer. With days that are longer, disrupted schedules, and high humidity with heat contribute significantly to worsening depression & anxiety.

What to look out for during this time frame to be proactive, and not fall into the trap of depression and anxiety is Self-Care:

Dehydration in summer often happens before we know it. Add to that dehydration and increased temperature, which leads to increased cortisol.

Often this can be seen as palpitations, dizziness and nausea, which looks like panic attacks.

Isolation is often seen, especially in our younger generations.

Increased screen time: In this digital era, screen time is noticeably increased while parents are trying to navigate the Summertime schedule for their children.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Summertime sadness is real when it comes to seasonal affective disorder. This term is used to indicate that 4-5 months of mood symptoms lasting during either Winter-Fall pattern or Summer pattern. SAD diagnosis is often missed in summer due to the symptoms being missed. The symptoms for Summer Pattern SAD are:

· Trouble Sleeping (insomnia or hypersomnia)

Poor appetite, leading to weight loss

Restlessness and agitation

Anxiety

Violent or aggressive behavior

How to Improve Self Care during Summer Months to avoid Summertime Blues:

Vitamin D is the key ingredient to Summertime Wellness, not only Vitamin D is essential for our bone, muscles and soft tissues, it is infact an essential ingredient for regulating Serotonin production in our brain. Now let’s think about this Serotonin is the same chemical that is decreased when someone is depressed, making Vitamin D very helpful.

Maintaining a schedule during summer for the family.

· Planning outdoor trips and staying hydrated with sun protection.

· Exercising regularly.

· Sleeping in a cooler temperature environment

· Active engagement in community activities.

It is very important to speak to your healthcare provider if you feel like you need additional help.