Summertime SADNESS

For most, the promise of warm weather, longer days and outdoor adventures lifts one's spirits. For others, it can bring an unexpected visitor: summer depression

- CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

It might seem contradictory, but the brightest and sunniest season can trigger depressive symptoms in some people. For them, it isn't always sunshine and happiness.

"It's important to remember that everyone is different, and while most seasonal episodes of depression occur in winter, up to 30% of people will experience summer depression," says Samar McCutcheon, a psychiatrist who specialises in bipolar and anxiety disorders at Ohio State University in the US.

The good news is that there are proven ways to beat seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). We've gathered advice from a few experts to help you or your loved ones get through the summer.

1 EMBRACE NATURE, DON'T RUN FROM IT

According to a study in the Frontiers in Psychology journal - looking at the link between happiness and being connected to nature - it was scientifically proven by the research team (Capaldi, Dopko and Zelenski) that "contact with nature can be beneficial, for example, leading to improvements in mood, cognition and health".

With summer comes heat, sweating, uncomfortable feelings of stickiness and even sensitivity to light... We get that it isn't always pleasant to bask in the sun. But there are still ways to spend time outdoors and immerse yourself in nature without stepping too far out of your comfort zone.