Summertime Blues
We tend to think of summer as a time to relax and enjoy our free time. Yet in Arizona it can be a time of depression by August. Depression? In summer? Yes, unfortunately the sun that we are known for also can increase mental health problems and depression in particular. In fact, we have the same problem but in reverse of the snowy or rainy states in the summer. While they may be worse in winter when they see only clouds and darkness; we see sun, a lot of it, but by going from one air-conditioned building to the next with the lack of outdoor time our mood can be impacted. I want to address this, to bring it to your attention, and also address some of the differences we aren't always aware of related to depression in various groups of people.
Summer depression is something that can happen in either sex and at any age. In the mental health field we find less and less beds available in the mental health hospitals in August when the heat index is high and the medications some individuals are on are negatively impacted by the heat, i.e.: lithium which can lead to hydration issues that then lead to depression. Or what about the road rage we see more of during that time? Driving home in the heat is very difficult, and that car often doesn't cool down until half-way home. That, together with being "trapped" in air conditioning can be challenging. Ideas for this?
Symptoms of depression are different in males and females. And male depression is often overlooked. Let's compare the symptoms by sex in the box to the left. Note the differences and the fact men may appear angrier or aggressive, irritable, and abuse drugs or alcohol as a means to cope; whereas women may show more signs of stress, emotional ups and downs, and sadness. A growing issue of concern over the last number of years is increasing suicide by men, particularly middle-age men. And yet, we still see so many men experiencing a stigma if they admit to depression, and thus they fail to see doctors early in the depression and may go only as a last resort.
Causes of depression are plentiful in terms of why individuals develop depression. Financial downturn, family changes, bereavement, cancer treatments, and job stress all are known to cause the increase in depression. And sometimes it's easier to point to these than other times, i.e.: it's well known that with breast cancer treatment when it's an estrogen driven cancer women are put on hormones to block estrogen, and this increases depression for some. But what about the fact men can have hormonal treatment related to prostate cancer? In their treatment androgens are blocked to prevent or reduce the chance of the growth of new cancer. In doing so they also are sent into a major hormonal change and have mood related issues from this, whether due to being given estrogen or using something else to block the androgen development. In the case of full-body radiation or in the case of brain cancer, the radiation can cause changes to the brain and the neurotransmitters so that depression occurs. Chemotherapy, as well, can cause depression regardless of the form of cancer. And if one has multiple treatments, and/or stem cell transplants, the risk of a difficult form of depression called treatment-resistant depression is more likely to occur. Partially due to the inflamed state of the brain, and at least partially due to the changes in the neurotransmitters, this can be life-challenging for many individuals. In bereavement, or following the loss of a loved one, depression can be a normal part of the grief, but in widowers there is an increased risk of suicide beyond that of widows. Thus we have multiple areas and concerns we want to bring to your attention. More importantly - what to do?
Treatment of depression is always most effective for severe depression when done in conjunction with both a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist. For milder depressions, however, therapy alone can help to change beliefs and thought processes. And in the moderate cases it's possible to change the situation through therapy but in many cases the use of medication is still suggested. It's important that you know what is recommended in your individual case. Treatment can include any number of modalities such as individual, group, or family counseling. It can also be done from many perspectives such as identifying thoughts not working for you and changing them; considering what is underlying from your past that may be impacting you; decreasing stress; maximizing your support network; bringing a better balance to your life related to work, family, exercise, diet, and friends
There are ways through and out of depression. If you know someone who is depressed, let them know it's okay to find someone to help them. Sometimes that's all it takes for an individual to go ahead and make that appointment.
Summer depression is something that can happen in either sex and at any age. In the mental health field we find less and less beds available in the mental health hospitals in August when the heat index is high and the medications some individuals are on are negatively impacted by the heat, i.e.: lithium which can lead to hydration issues that then lead to depression. Or what about the road rage we see more of during that time? Driving home in the heat is very difficult, and that car often doesn't cool down until half-way home. That, together with being "trapped" in air conditioning can be challenging. Ideas for this?
- Put yourself on some form of a schedule so that you do get out of the house at least for short periods of time. Maybe a 5am walk, or if a night person a 9pm swim. It may need to be brief, but that time outdoors does help that trapped feeling. A friend of mine who struggles with it makes sure he begins increasing gym time in June so he keeps up his exercise, as well as planning early morning hikes each weekend.
- Plan regular fun time with friends - whether inside or out. But don't isolate in the air conditioning.
Symptoms of depression are different in males and females. And male depression is often overlooked. Let's compare the symptoms by sex in the box to the left. Note the differences and the fact men may appear angrier or aggressive, irritable, and abuse drugs or alcohol as a means to cope; whereas women may show more signs of stress, emotional ups and downs, and sadness. A growing issue of concern over the last number of years is increasing suicide by men, particularly middle-age men. And yet, we still see so many men experiencing a stigma if they admit to depression, and thus they fail to see doctors early in the depression and may go only as a last resort.
Causes of depression are plentiful in terms of why individuals develop depression. Financial downturn, family changes, bereavement, cancer treatments, and job stress all are known to cause the increase in depression. And sometimes it's easier to point to these than other times, i.e.: it's well known that with breast cancer treatment when it's an estrogen driven cancer women are put on hormones to block estrogen, and this increases depression for some. But what about the fact men can have hormonal treatment related to prostate cancer? In their treatment androgens are blocked to prevent or reduce the chance of the growth of new cancer. In doing so they also are sent into a major hormonal change and have mood related issues from this, whether due to being given estrogen or using something else to block the androgen development. In the case of full-body radiation or in the case of brain cancer, the radiation can cause changes to the brain and the neurotransmitters so that depression occurs. Chemotherapy, as well, can cause depression regardless of the form of cancer. And if one has multiple treatments, and/or stem cell transplants, the risk of a difficult form of depression called treatment-resistant depression is more likely to occur. Partially due to the inflamed state of the brain, and at least partially due to the changes in the neurotransmitters, this can be life-challenging for many individuals. In bereavement, or following the loss of a loved one, depression can be a normal part of the grief, but in widowers there is an increased risk of suicide beyond that of widows. Thus we have multiple areas and concerns we want to bring to your attention. More importantly - what to do?
Treatment of depression is always most effective for severe depression when done in conjunction with both a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist. For milder depressions, however, therapy alone can help to change beliefs and thought processes. And in the moderate cases it's possible to change the situation through therapy but in many cases the use of medication is still suggested. It's important that you know what is recommended in your individual case. Treatment can include any number of modalities such as individual, group, or family counseling. It can also be done from many perspectives such as identifying thoughts not working for you and changing them; considering what is underlying from your past that may be impacting you; decreasing stress; maximizing your support network; bringing a better balance to your life related to work, family, exercise, diet, and friends
There are ways through and out of depression. If you know someone who is depressed, let them know it's okay to find someone to help them. Sometimes that's all it takes for an individual to go ahead and make that appointment.