Saying Goodbye to Summer

There is something bittersweet about Labor Day weekend.

Summer is my favorite season, and this one was particularly wonderful. I spent lots of time swimming with my kids at the lake, taking walks late in the day when the sun was still warm, and finding time for little creative projects. I even finger-knitted a beautiful blue and white blanket for the end of our bed.

And now, somehow, we’re already saying goodbye to summer.

Here in Indiana, the kids have been back in school for weeks. The carefree rhythm of summer has given way to alarm clocks, homework, packed schedules, and routines. Soon the evenings will get noticeably shorter. Then come sweaters and pumpkins, followed quickly by Thanksgiving and the holiday season.

Changing seasons can bring up more feelings than we sometimes expect.

For some people, that feeling is simply nostalgia. But for others, the shortening days bring something more significant.

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly beginning in the fall or winter. Even people who don’t meet the criteria for SAD can notice that their existing depression or anxiety becomes harder to manage when the days get shorter and they spend less time outside.

If you recognize that pattern in yourself, I want to encourage you to pay attention to it before you’re struggling.

We don’t have to wait until January, when you’re exhausted, unmotivated, and wondering why everything suddenly feels so hard.

There are things we can do.

Sometimes that means intentionally increasing daytime light exposure, even when Indiana decides that outside is cold and gray. For some people, light therapy can be helpful. We can look at sleep, movement, routines, and the other pieces that help support your mental health. And if you take medication for depression or anxiety, we can talk about whether a seasonal adjustment to your treatment makes sense for you.

Most importantly, I don’t want you resigning yourself to dreading half of every year.

One of the things I love about living somewhere with four distinct seasons is that each one gives us something different to look forward to. Summer has lake days and long evenings. Fall brings crisp walks, changing leaves, and cozy weekends. Winter has holidays, snow days, warm blankets, and evenings at home. And eventually, just when we’ve had enough, those first tiny signs of spring appear again.

We don’t have to love every season equally. But I want you to be well enough to find some joy in each of them.

So as we close out summer, pay attention to how you’re feeling. If you’ve noticed that fall and winter are consistently hard for you, bring it up with me now. We can make a plan before the darkest days arrive.

Here’s to one more warm September evening, one more late walk, and whatever adventures the next season brings.

Dr. Mount

This newsletter is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.