#summersad

You ask me about my mother and are met with blankness like a dark and endless corridor

Or else rage that boils with the blood that runs through her veins and mine

This is only gift she’ll ever give me, existence tainted red like my hair

Burning with a quiet and inexplicable anger, or else longing, or else nothing

Left with an eternity of never-knowing exactly how or why and my father’s grief

Hearing how she peeled him open like an orange

Slowly, meticulously, until he was raw and uncovered

Ready and willing to be consumed by your never ending illness and addition

You bathed in the cool sweetness of his love

Scabs bleeding covered with work and alcohol

And me

That’s a lot of pressure to deal with

A constant reminder of what he lost, a gift, a curse

I have always felt like a paradox, anyway

I don’t think he ever recovered

I am unsure why summer brings this specific sadness

The longing to belong to a mother that does not belong to me

I am only her daughter

Introduction Most people associate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with winter — dark days, snow, and lack of sunlight. But in Canada, where the summer season is so brief, another challenge emerges: Summer SAD. Instead of joy, long days and heat can bring anxiety, irritability, and exhaustion. For many, the shortness of Canadian summers adds another layer — pressure to “enjoy every moment” before it’s gone.

What is Summer SAD?

Summer SAD is a less recognized form of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Unlike winter SAD (caused by lack of sunlight), summer SAD is linked to:

Too much heat or humidity that disrupts sleep and energy.

Extended daylight hours affecting melatonin and circadian rhythms.

Cultural pressure to “be outside, be happy, do more” — leaving those who feel drained by summer feeling guilty or “broken.”

Why It Feels Worse in Canada

Short Summers, High Expectations In Canada, summer is a rare gift. When it arrives, there’s an unspoken rule to maximize every day with barbecues, festivals, and travel. If you don’t feel joy, you feel like you’re wasting the season.

Sudden Transitions The leap from long, freezing winters to hot summers can overwhelm sensitive minds and bodies.

Social Pressure While others post lake trips and road adventures, you may feel left behind, creating a deeper sense of isolation.

Coping Strategies for Summer SAD

Acknowledge Your Pace: You don’t have to love every sunny day. It’s okay to rest.

Cool Your Environment: Fans, blackout curtains, and cooler sleep spaces reduce irritability.

Find Gentle Summer Joys: Read indoors, night walks, early morning quiet — not all joy is about crowded beaches.

Stay Connected: Share your feelings. Many experience Summer SAD silently, thinking they’re alone.

Seek Support: Therapy, community groups, or journaling can reframe your experience.

Conclusion Summer SAD reminds us that joy isn’t dictated by the season — it’s shaped by how we relate to ourselves. Canada’s short summers may carry pressure, but you have permission to experience them your way. Sunshine is beautiful, but your peace matters more.

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