By Dr. David Woo - August 26, 2024

While summer is often associated with joy and relaxation, many individuals in New York City experience a different reality. “Summer depression,” also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the summer, is a real phenomenon affecting a significant number of people in New York on top of the usual stressors that contribute to depression in NYC. If you find yourself struggling with depression during the warmer months, you might have summer seasonal depression. Fortunately, there are effective treatments, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, that can alleviate symptoms of summer depression and help you maintain mental wellness not only in summer but throughout the year.

Jump To:

• Understanding Summer Depression
• Why Summer Depression Occurs
• Summer Depression In New York City
• Treating Summer Depression
• Lifestyle Adjustments For Summer Depression
• Get Summer Depression Treatment In NYC

Understanding Summer Depression

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as seasonal depression, is a mental health condition where depression symptoms are experienced regularly at certain times of the year. SAD affects, on average, about 5% of the US population (1). Although SAD is typically linked with winter, some people may experience symptoms during the summer.

Despite the sunny weather, hot temperatures are actually more likely to be linked to worsened mental health than cool days (2). It’s essential to recognize the signs of summer depression and take action if you are experiencing them.

Symptoms of summer SAD include:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety 
• Anxious depression
• Persistent low mood during the summer months
• Restlessness, agitation, or even angry outbursts
• Loss of appetite, possibly combined with an unhealthy drop in weight
• Suicidal thoughts
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities

Why Summer Depression Occurs

Although the sunshine and warmth of summer may be celebrated by many, it also brings several factors that contribute to the summer blues.

• Extended daylight can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and mood disturbances.
• Increased heat and humidity can be physically draining and increase irritability. Heatwaves, in particular, can have a serious impact on mental health, worsening symptoms and increasing mental health-related morbidity and mortality across the population (3, 4). 
• Social pressure and comparisons during summer can heighten feelings of inadequacy or exclusion. It might seem as if everyone is away enjoying vacations you can’t afford or important people from your support network are out of town when you need them. Body image issues might also come to the fore as people wear more revealing clothing in the summer.
• The holiday blues, or depression during the holiday time, can also be triggered by emotional circumstances surrounding the summer holidays.

Summer Depression In New York City

Living in New York City can be stressful, regardless of the season. Urban living has been linked to a higher risk of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia (5). 

Factors that may contribute to poorer mental health in urban areas include air pollution and exposure to toxins, increased noise, limited open spaces, crime, social inequalities, and sensory overload stress. In a highly competitive, world-class city like New York, these stressors, combined with the pressure to succeed and advance oneself while everyone around you is also trying to do the same, can strain one’s mental health.

In such a big, expensive, and densely populated city, it’s not easy for many New Yorkers to find a cool, calm place to escape the heat and social pressure. However, professional mental health professionals are available to help you get through the summer stress and beat seasonal depression.

Treating Summer Depression At Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry

Managing summer depression requires a multifaceted, personalized approach, as patients will respond better to different treatments. Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry offers several effective treatments and services to help those struggling with seasonal affective disorder in the summer.

Medication Management

Medications can play a vital role in managing summer SAD. Antidepressants and other medications can help regulate mood and alleviate symptoms. However, medications must be personalized and monitored by professionals to ensure effectiveness and minimize side effects. Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry provides comprehensive medication management services, ensuring patients receive tailored treatment to suit their specific needs.

Telehealth Consultations

Finding time for mental health appointments can be challenging for busy New Yorkers. We offer telehealth consultations so patients can access care from their homes or offices. This flexibility helps maintain consistent treatment schedules, which is crucial for managing summer seasonal depression. Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry’s telehealth services ensure you receive the care you need without disrupting your busy lifestyle.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) For Summer Depression

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment for depression, including summer SAD. TMS uses a helmet-like device to deliver tiny, barely perceptible magnetic fields that stimulate nerve cells in the brain, improving mood regulation.

Unlike medications, TMS has minimal side effects and is particularly beneficial to individuals who have not responded well to other treatments. Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry is a leader in providing TMS therapy, offering patients a safe and effective environment with the latest TMS equipment.

Lifestyle Adjustments For Summer Depression

In addition to professional treatments, several lifestyle adjustments can help mitigate the effects of summer depression:

1. Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help regulate your body’s internal clock.
2. Stay cool: Use air conditioning, fans, and cool showers to decrease your body temperature and reduce irritability.
3. Limit sun exposure: Wear sunglasses and hats, and seek shade to avoid excessive heat and sunlight.
4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which can help manage mood swings and physical discomfort.

Contact Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry For Summer Depression Treatment In NYC

Summer depression can be as debilitating as its winter counterpart, but with the right approach, it is manageable. If you or a loved one is struggling with summer depression in New York City, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Contact Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry at (212) 731-2033 or visit our website to book a consultation. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier summer today.

More resources on seasonal depression:

• What Is Seasonal Depression?
• Does TMS Work for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)?
• Is it the Springtime Blues Or Depression? 

Sources:

1. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). American Psychiatric Association. 2020. Link. Accessed July 15, 2024.
2. Li, M., Ferreira, S., & Smith, T. A. Temperature and self-reported mental health in the United States. PLOS ONE. 2020;15(3), e0230316. Link. Accessed July 15, 2024.
3. Liu, J., Varghese, B. M., Hansen, A., Xiang, J., Zhang, Y., Dear, K., Gourley, M., Driscoll, T., Morgan, G., Capon, A., & Bi, P. Is there an association between hot weather and poor mental health outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environment International. 2021;153, 106533. Link. Accessed July 15, 2024. 
4. Stivanello, E., Chierzi, F., Marzaroli, P., Zanella, S., Miglio, R., Biavati, P., Perlangeli, V., Berardi, D., Fioritti, A., & Pandolfi, P. Mental Health Disorders and Summer Temperature-Related Mortality: A Case Crossover Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019;17 (23), 9122. Link. Accessed July 15, 2024. 
5. Buttazzoni, A., Doherty, S., & Minaker, L. How Do Urban Environments Affect Young People’s Mental Health? A Novel Conceptual Framework to Bridge Public Health, Planning, and Neurourbanism. Public Health Reports. 2022;137(1), 48-61. Link. Accessed July 15, 2024. 

Dr. David Woo

Dr. Woo has been seeing patients in private practice since 2002, always with the goals of combining evidence-based medicine with psychodynamic psychotherapy and collaborating with other mental health professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients. He has been certified to administer TMS at his practice since 2017. His greatest clinical interests include helping patients suffering from depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder.