It’s a Sunday evening, and the sun is setting over the ocean, painting the sky with peach hues and a dash of electric pink. I imagine Bob Ross, in his soothing voice, saying “happy little puffy clouds,” and I think, “I should be happy right now.” But I can no longer deny the ache I feel as a tear escapes me, followed by others flowing down my cheeks, validating the disappointment I feel.
Since I can remember, I’ve always looked forward to summer, only to inevitably end up feeling sad. In college, the month of May would come with a desire to pass my finals so I could enjoy days of freedom to sleep in and adventure. Yet, by June, I would find myself getting what I wanted, only to not know what to do with myself or my free time. Now, I would love just a bit of that uninterrupted time.
My life is much fuller now: three kids with different needs, a private practice with therapy and coaching clients, a partner who wants my attention, a home to maintain, friends I wish to spend more time with, entrepreneurial goals I never have enough time to accomplish, and a stack of Sarah J. Maas books to read.
I’ve fought this “down in the dumps” feeling with summer fun bucket lists, planning get-togethers, and doing my best to find gratitude for the here and now. But the real release from the ache came when I acknowledged the pain I was feeling inside, even if I didn’t have a reason for it yet. Instead of “shoulding” on myself, I decided to label this weird feeling as ‘The Summer Blues’ and allowed myself to explore the discomfort that the unknown brings.
I dove into this phenomenon a bit and realized I’m not alone. The summer blues can happen for many reason, and if you’re neurodivergent like me and thrive on routine and productivity it can be a challenge to enjoy the long days of summer.
Side note: "Neurodivergent" is a term used to describe individuals whose neurological development and functioning are atypical, often differing from what is considered "neurotypical." This can include conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other cognitive variations. The term is part of the broader neurodiversity movement, which emphasizes that neurological differences should be recognized and respected as a natural variation of the human experience, rather than viewed as deficits or disorders that need to be cured.
The "Summer Blues" refer to feelings of sadness, lethargy, or depression that some people experience during the summer months. While seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more commonly associated with winter, some individuals experience a reverse pattern, feeling worse in the summer. Here are some factors that might contribute to the summer blues:
Disrupted Routines: The change in routine, especially for families with children out of school, can cause stress and disrupt normal daily activities, leading to feelings of unease.
Heat and Humidity: High temperatures and humidity can cause physical discomfort, fatigue, and irritability, contributing to feelings of depression or anxiety.
Body Image Issues: The pressure to have a "summer body" can increase self-consciousness and anxiety about appearance, leading to negative feelings.
Financial Stress: Summer vacations, activities, and childcare can be expensive, leading to financial stress and worry.
Social Pressure: There is often an expectation to be social and active during the summer. For those who feel isolated or struggle with social anxiety, this pressure can be overwhelming.
Sleep Disruptions: Longer daylight hours and warmer nights can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation, which can negatively impact mood.
Unrealistic Expectations: Media portrayals of summer as a time of constant fun and relaxation can create unrealistic expectations. When personal experiences don't match these expectations, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and disappointment.
Major Life Changes: Summer often coincides with significant life events like graduations, weddings, or relocations, which can be stressful and emotionally taxing.
Allergies: Seasonal allergies can cause physical discomfort and fatigue, contributing to low mood and irritability.
Lack of Structure: The absence of a structured schedule, especially for students on summer break, can lead to a lack of purpose and direction, resulting in feelings of sadness or depression.
Addressing the summer blues involves recognizing these factors and validating what you are feeling without self-judgment. Then you can take proactive steps to manage them, such as maintaining a routine, staying hydrated and cool, setting realistic expectations, engaging in enjoyable activities, and seeking social support. If feelings of depression or anxiety are severe or persistent, it may be helpful to consult a mental health professional. Which reminds me to book a session with my own therapist. These periods of uncomfortable emotions suck, but they’re therapeutic gold in terms of learning more about myself and the emotional wounds that still want to be healed. I’m coping with S.B. (Summer Blues) with art. I haven’t painted since collage but I had a huge blank canvas in my garage and some acrylic paint and plaster. I used the plaster to create texture on the canvas, once it was dry I started to paint what I was feeling with color and movement of my brush. I have no idea what I’m making here but it’s been cathartic and fun!
I took to Instagram to share what I was feeling (in my video above) because misery really does love company and feeling like I wasn’t the only one struggling with this summer made me feel better. I acknowledge that I might be in a liminal space, which is traditionally a gooey, weird, disorienting time. Liminal space is a term derived from the Latin word "limen," meaning threshold. It represents a transitional phase or space between two distinct states or stages. This can be a physical place, an emotional state, or a period of time. In a liminal space, one is no longer in the previous state but has not yet fully transitioned to the next. It is often a place of uncertainty and transformation which offers potential for growth.
The concept of liminal space correlates beautifully with the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. The caterpillar turns into a semi-liquid state (goo) inside a chrysalis. This phase allows for a complete breakdown of the caterpillar's tissues, which are then reorganized and repurposed to form the adult butterfly. This process is essential for significant transformation required to shift from a caterpillar’s body to that of a butterfly.
This gooey period of transformation is critical for the caterpillar’s development, much like how liminal space can be essential for personal growth and development. Just as the caterpillar emerges from its chrysalis as a butterfly, we can move through liminal space and eventually reach a new state with a newfound sense of identity, perspective, or capability. I’m banking on an epic autumn.
Remember, it's okay to feel the way you do, and you're not alone in this. Embracing the summer blues and acknowledging your emotions is the first step toward finding peace and balance. Be gentle with yourself and take things one day at a time. Focus on small joys, connect with loved ones, and prioritize self-care. If the feelings become overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional. (If you’re looking for a therapist or coach please reach out to me at chrissypowersmft@gmail.com). I’m currently accepting new therapy clients in CA and coaching clients globally. Click here to learn more about all the ways we can work together.
Ultimately, every season has its highs and lows. By understanding and accepting the summer blues, you can create a more compassionate and fulfilling experience for yourself, making room for both the challenges and the beauty that summer brings.
Take care, move your body, eat good food, get some sun on your body and here’s to finding your own rhythm in these sunny days. 🌞
Chrissy Powers Upcoming Events:
Embodied Woman Collective
An 8 week program that creates a safe space to reconnect with yourself, release old baggage, and step into who you were always meant to be. This program is all about healing, growth, and finding your inner joy.
Empowering Group Sessions: Weekly meet-ups that will light up your soul and fill your heart. 🕯️
Amazing Community: A tribe of wonderful women ready to support and uplift each other. 👯♀️
Transformative Practices: Tools and techniques to help you reconnect with your body and mind. 🧘♀️
Kicks off on September 30, 2024, at 12 PM PST on Zoom.
Click HERE for more info on this program or to reserve you spot.
Relational Ketamine Assisted Therapy Intensives
There is expanding research in the mental health community around the impacts of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to help eligible patients get unstuck and experience long-lasting improvement in symptoms, particularly those struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, other mental illnesses or those facing a roadblock in their current therapy. Some of the latest studies have shown truly life-changing results for some patients, and I felt compelled to offer KAP to my clients should they want to pursue this avenue of care.
If you are curious to learn about KAP and investigate if it might be a fit for you, I encourage you to spend some time researching on your own, or simply ask me and we can explore it together! Here are some helpful places to get started provided by Journey Clinical (the platform I partner with for KAP):
When: TBD for October, November & December
Where: The Rose House in Venice, CA
Schedule: Friday- Intention Session 5:00-7:00pm, Saturday- Individual dosing session with me. Sunday morning 9:00am-12:00pm integration session.
Cost: $1500
Mammoth Women's Healing Retreat:
Where: Mammoth, CA, from September 19-22, 2024.
Retreat Package Includes:
Shared room or room to yourself (price TBD)
Farm-fresh, nutritious meals from a private chef
Group sessions led by me, Chrissy Powers
Morning Cha Dao tea ceremony with Natasha Radwan
Daily hike
Day of climbing with a guide
Divine Feminine Workbook
Nonlinear movement/meditation sessions
The shared retreat accommodation is $1,500 per person. Secure your spot with a $750 deposit. The remaining balance is due on September 1st, 2024.
Hope to see you at one of these events soon!
With hope and healing,
Chrissy
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