Summertime sadness: How to combat seasonal depression in the spring, summer months

(Melissa Lopez-Martinez/ CTV News) — With temperatures getting warmer and days getting longer, many Canadians may be gearing up for fun summer activities. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for those experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

SAD can affect a person’s mood with feelings of depression, anxiety and disruption to their sleeping and eating habits, according to CAMH. However, these health triggers are not just confined to the depths of winter.

Vice President of Mental Health at GreenShield, Harriet Ekperigin told CTVNews.ca in a phone interview on Thursday, the condition can impact the spring and summer months as planning or participating in certain activities can be an added stressor for those who may have health or financial reasons preventing them from participating, or for parents and mothers who take on the responsibility of planning the summer schedule for their families.

Ekperigin explains women often take over the summer planning for their children like searching for daycare options or planning ahead for back-to-school necessities like uniforms and school supplies. (…)