Feeling unusually low this summer? I certainly have not been my usual energy-filled summer version of myself. I am willing to bet that many people all over the world are feeling the same – not just those of us in south Texas who have experienced the hottest May and June on record and who are nearing our record for the total number of three digit days during a summer. Record heat has reached as far as the northern tip of the country. Even those in London who are used to going without AC (something unfathomable here in Texas) are experiencing unusual heat.

The reason for my (our) unusual summer woes came as an aha moment from two unlikely sources. The first came from a young woman who was waxing my eyebrows. We were in the midst of countless 100+ degree days with no rain. We talked about what we were doing on our days off. Neither were doing what we would normally be doing on a day off in the summer. Both of us were spending an unusual amount of time indoors. She commented that she feels like she does in the winter when it is too cold to participate in fun outdoor activities.

The next aha moment came from a middle school kid I had just met. I was teaching a beta course for a trauma curriculum I wrote and I asked the group what could cause a person to experience trauma – besides the obvious things like war or the unexpected death of a loved on. This kid replied “Texas summers.” I asked him to elaborate. He said that it has been too hot and dry to be outside like normal. That could cause trauma. From the mouths of babes . . .

This led to a conversation about SAD – and the fact that we may be experiencing a form of trauma because of a summer version of SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Those of us who thrive being outside get seasonal depression when cold weather forces us indoors. Summer is usually our time to break free, run wild, be adventurous, explore, kick our shoes off and live, laugh, and love.

This past winter, we had record breaking cold and an ice storm that shut down our unprepared part of the world – the opposite of what happened to our friends in London this summer. Our power grids (nor our bodies) could handle the extreme cold. Not only were we forced indoors, but many people were forced to huddle in a single room to keep as warm as possible when the grids failed. SAD was magnified. We were looking forward to our summer escapades more than normal.

Now, this summer, the heat has kept us locked away, trying to stay cool and hydrated. Summer SAD is magnified. Even being in a body of water does not cool us off or keep us hydrated well enough to fight the drought and temperatures. I know I have had many moments where I felt my insides wanted to lash out and scream. Is there hope? Is there relief in sight?

Well, like addicts are told, knowing and admitting there is a problem is the first step in recovery. It is more paramount than ever to take steps toward self-care.

In the winter, those of us with SAD have learned to find ways to cope such as purchasing special light bulbs or taking advantage of daylight. We must simply do the same with summer SAD.

For my part, I have learned that even though it is already hot and humid before the sun comes up, the fact that it is still tolerable means that I should take advantage. So, I may go for a shorter run/walk than normal, but I will stop at the pond by the house and watch the sun rise. If I am lucky, I will get there early enough to see the turtles asleep on the rocks. Watching the sun rise and the critters do their thing makes my soul happy.

I have access to a pool. Being outside too long is bad for my post-cancer skin and it is bad for all of our bodies. Dehydration has caused a lot of hospitalizations in my area. However, simply 30-60 minutes is enough to replenish my spirits – lounging in the water, listening to my 80s rock. Ah . . . pure bliss.

For Texans to be overcome by the heat is a very big deal. We are used to it. But when it gets so bad that it feels like hell on earth, I think of Tom Petty:

“You could stand me up at the gates of Hell
But I won’t back down. No I’ll stand my ground.”

There is a way out of summer SAD . . . and relief is coming. It’s almost football season, after all! 🙂