5 Simple Personal Goals to Avoid Summer Depression

With summer approaching, this is the time most of us start to set our summer personal goals. I bet we think everyone is making fun lists of cute clothing, great outdoor events, and vacations. Sadly, for many, the much-hyped days of sunny skies and sunny dispositions are the times when they struggle the most with mental health issues like summer depression.

Why summer depression occurs

For some people, the sudden and total loss of structure and schedules in summer has been known to trigger sadness and conditions such as Summer Onset Seasonal Affective Disorder (better known as reverse SAD, summer depression, or summer SAD). This is a type of depression that typically follows seasonal patterns most commonly seen in warmer climates.

The very fact that summer is the season for increased socializing, family time, and fun can have adverse effects, especially on people who feel lonely. If you have just experienced the loss of a loved one, don’t have a big circle of friends, or naturally struggle to fit in, you may be susceptible to summer SAD.

Regardless of what your reasons are for feeling forlorn this summer, taking time to set some positive personal goals for yourself can reset your mindset and help you start the season fresh.

Some personal goals to keep summer depression away

Let go of the notion that you need to be perfect in the summer

Summer is not some magical time when you’re supposed to act and look perfect all the time. Allow yourself to accept that you can feel sad or lonely, and only then can you take active steps to bridge the gaps in your life. Do whatever you need to do to get yourself help and support to feel mentally healthy, happy, and whole again.

Define clear personal goals

Make note of specific things you want to work on, be it small things like waking up by a certain time, creating a diet plan that boosts your mood, or even big things like hiking the Grand Canyon! Focus on actionable steps to make it happen, because giving yourself a renewed purpose can have a healing effect on your mental health.

Keep track of each personal goal’s progress

Make use of any activity tracking method you feel comfortable with, like keeping a journal, spreadsheets, or a mental health app, to record and regularly review your progress. Keep yourself motivated.

Celebrate all your personal goal wins

You need to acknowledge and reinforce every positive step you take, regardless of how small it may be. This helps you reinforce your positive habits and stay motivated.

Be open to support systems

You don’t have to face all this alone. There are better chances of healing with someone there to lean on. Open yourself up to friends, family, or even online communities to help you stay focused. Professional guidance can also help. Reach out to a nutritionist, a personal trainer, or an individual or group therapist for advice and encouragement on your goals.

Getting help

If you feel the onset of summer or summer depression is overwhelming, you must seek professional help. Reach out to a counselor who specializes in depression counseling. You can control your depression, and you don’t have to miss out on enjoying your summer to the fullest. We are eager to help connect you with a trained Christian therapist from our practice. Feel free to contact us today for an appointment.