Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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SummerDepressionIsREAL 05/27/2017

Hello, I just joined while ago. I realize the average person who suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder gets depressed during the WINTER months when the skies are overcast and gray. But I belong to the RARE group whose problem is exactly opposite: formally called Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, or simply, summer depression. For many years I suspected it was all my own imagination... and didn't discover it's actually REAL until maybe 10 years ago. I can't describe the relief I felt to realize I wasn't crazy, and that it wasn't "all in my head". So here I am, hoping to meet others who understand what I am going through right now. People who DON'T get summer depression really don't understand the isolation involved. NONE of my friends unerstand what I go through every summer, and probably laugh at me behind my back! But anyone who suffers summer depression KNOWS how real it is. I look forward to reading comments. --Carl

KTM 05/27/2017

I'm not formally diagnosed with Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, I didn't know there was such a thing! But it makes complete sense because I get legitimately depressed in summer, it's my least favorite season! People don't understand that at all :(

KTM 05/27/2017

...and I think there's a direct link between one of my major insecurities and this disorder but I don't know if that's right

Gladdmatt 05/27/2017

I just wrote a message, but it seems to have gone away . . . I am always most unhappy during summer. The heat affects mY PTSD negatively, along with other conditions. I feel like the sun is excluding me from the happiness everyone else seems to feel, adn all I do is wait for fall. I have certain skin conditions that a dr. has said mean I should stay away from the beach. Give me cold weather, gray skies, strong winds, and blizzards.

sharaninmd 05/27/2017

This is the first time I have heard of summer depression, but it makes sense as it is a season. I feel for what you are going through and wish you the best. I often get depressed more in the winter months.

SummerDepressionIsREAL 05/31/2017

KTM, it honestly wouldn't surprise me if your doctor isn't even AWARE of it, either. Doctors DON'T know everything, I learned about this myself. Summer depression is real, I deal with it every day. And here in Texas, it's just miserable. NOT JUST THE HEAT, but also the bright, sunny days get to me. I don't understand it myself, I just know bright, sunny days make me depresses, and cause me to feel isolated.
Gladdmatt: I agree. I feel like everyone ELSE is happy during summer, which makes the feeling of isolation even worse.
sharaninmd: Thanks for understanding. Winter must be as difficult for you as summer is for me.

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