Summertime Sadness

Do you enjoy hot weather? Or do you have that summertime sadness?

Many people tend to feel down when the weather is bad, or when sunlight hours lessen during the colder months. But some people feel sad even when it’s warm and sunny. This can happen when you have Seasonal Affective Disorder.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

According to CAMH, seasonal affective disorder is a chronic mood disorder caused by changes in sun exposure with changing seasons. Recurring yearly, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) are the same as depression. While many people experience SAD during fall and winter, it can also happen during spring and summer.

What can you do about Season Affective Disorder?

The National Health Service says that treatment options for SAD are the same for depression, with the addition of light exposure therapy. You can also try going outside, taking in more fresh air, keeping a good diet, engaging in regular exercise and managing your stress.

What does the library offer?

At Aurora Public Library, we offer a wide array of items that can help you combat SAD. These include informative books, fun equipment in the Library Of Things, and our Ontario Parks Pass.

Try one of these titles how to manage SAD and depression symptoms:

Defeating SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) by Norman E. Rosenthal, MD

Where to Start. A Survival Guide to Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Health Challenges by Mental Health America

High Functioning. How to Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy by Judith Joseph

Reconnecting After Isolation. Coping With Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Ptsd, and More by Susan J. Noonan, MD, MPH

Befriend Your Brain. A Young Person's Guide to Dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freakouts, and Triggers by Faith G Harper, PhD

Or try a new activity by yourself or with friends with one of our Library Of Things collection:

Telescope

Gardening set

Scoop ball

Karaoke machine

Want to explore the great outdoors? Have a park visit, on us:

Ontario Parks Pass

Outside of our physical collections, the library also offers online classes and in-person programs and events.

Try an online class through Gale courses. Taught by college instructors, classes start each month. You can select from courses such as Start Your Own Edible Garden, Write Your Life Story, or Introduction to Digital Scrapbooking.

You can also try one of our in-person programs, such as:

Learning about pollinators with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Taking a tree tour with the Aurora Community Arboretum

Trying your hand at some profane cross-stitching

Taking a traditional Chinese Art Class for seniors, in partnership with the Catholic Community Services of York Region

Conclusion

Seasonal affective disorder may seem like something that happens only in the darker months, but many people also get it in . Our library has resources online and in print, as well as programs and events you can attend to alleviate the seasonal blues.

Whatever season your depression strikes, make sure to take good care of yourself. Seek professional help when needed and always remember: you are not alone.