"Not liking summer is like crying at a party--it simply isn't done"
Saskia Smith
since it's something we can all relate to (and is another new article
out about Summer SAD). Anyway, it seems like there have been a spate
of articles about Summer SAD this Spring/early Summer. The most recent
was out in the UK's Gaurdian Limited:
http://society.guardian.co.uk/socialcare/comment/0,,2095901,00.html
I love this bit (perhaps there is a reason I have always loved a good
Woody Allen film--depression and angst are the norm in his world!):
"But one of the worst things with summer depression is that sense of
being out of sync. Not liking summer is like crying at a party - it
simply isn't done. Depression is almost a criminal offence, and I
don't doubt it will soon become one, with police afforded special
powers to stop you and check if you're looking happy enough."
(the rest I briefly discuss on my blog)
But another point--it's true--esp. in America--if you are not happy
all of the time there just must be something clinically wrong with
you. I think this is in part why Summer SAD is also just so
alienating. It truly rubs against the grain of perpetual American
everything-is-growing-roses attitude. The article in the LA Times
hinted to this when it mentioned that Summer SAD is 'common' near the
equator (again, where are the statistics from the studies?).
Culturally--it's expected that the heat and sun will affect some
people more than others--just because sun/heat is more omnipresent.
Siesta! Eating late at night! Built-in Summer SAD coping
mechanisms.....
I just ran across a very interesting sounding book called "Weather,
Climate, Culture" --here is a little blurb about it below. I think I
will try and get my hands on this and report back! (http://
www.bergpublishers.com/us/book_page.asp?BKTitle=Weather,%20Climate,%20Culture)
" Throughout history, the weather has been both feared and revered for
its powerful influence over living creatures. Not only does it control
our moods, activities, and fashions, but it has also played a crucial
role in broader issues of cultural identity, concepts of time, and
economic development. In fact, the weather has become so ingrained in
our everyday routines that many of us forget just how profoundly this
omnipotent force shapes culture. With the continuing rise in global
warming and consequential change in weather patterns, our awareness
and understanding of this topic has never been so important."