Struggles in the Sun: Mental Health Challenges During the Summer Months
In the heart of the vibrant summer season, a concerning trend emerges. Every week, 125 people in the UK take their own lives, a statistic that sheds a grim light on the supposedly carefree period [1]. This tragic reality has sparked the need for organisations like The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a charity dedicated to preventing suicide and providing life-saving support [2].
The summer months, often associated with fun and freedom, are actually a time of increased mental health struggles. The primary culprit is the impact of high temperatures on our neurological and hormonal systems. Heat-related disruptions to mental health include impaired sleep, altered brain chemistry, and heightened irritability. These disruptions, collectively known as "summertime SAD" or heat rage, correlate with increased psychiatric emergencies and a documented rise in suicide rates [1][2][5].
Summer also brings specific psychosocial stressors, particularly for young adults. Anxiety linked to life transitions, such as starting college or work, loneliness, fear of missing out (FOMO), and less structured daily routines, all contribute to mental health difficulties during the season [3].
The current cost of living crisis further intensifies these struggles. Economic pressures reduce access to critical behavioural health treatments and support services, worsening outcomes for those with preexisting mental health conditions or substance use disorders [4].
CALM, a beacon of hope in these challenging times, equips people with life-saving information to share with someone they care about. For those feeling like they're not coping, especially during a difficult season, it's crucial to know that help is available [6]. CALM's website (thecalmzone.net) offers practical support and advice.
The charity believes in showing up in unexpected spaces using familiar language and relatable messages. CALM offers a free, confidential helpline, web chat, and WhatsApp support from 5pm to midnight every day [7].
The cost of living crisis is affecting mental health, with 1 in 2 people feeling anxious because of it [8]. The crisis has also led to 1 in 4 people having suicidal thoughts [9]. Despite summer's association with joy and liberation, it sadly holds the highest rate of suicide [10].
This year, CALM has spent more than a million minutes talking to people on their suicide prevention helpline [11]. Every donation to CALM helps them reach more people, start more life-saving conversations, and keep vital services running [12]. The charity's services are crucial to reach as many people as possible to change the suicide rate.
Music, a powerful force, plays a significant role in CALM's history and is a natural fit for their work. CALM collaborates with artists to challenge stigma and marks missed birthdays as a reminder of those lost too soon [13].
However, social media, while a tool for connection, can exacerbate feelings of FOMO for people struggling silently behind the scenes. CALM's research shows that young people are struggling disproportionately due to the cost of living crisis [14].
In these challenging times, it's essential to remember that every story and person who says CALM's services have helped is a highlight for the team [15]. Donations can be made in the website store or online when shopping [16]. Together, we can help change the suicide rate and support those in need.
References:
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57458395 [2] https://www.thecalmzone.net/about-calm/ [3] https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20210311-how-summer-can-be-a-difficult-time-for-mental-health [4] https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jul/01/cost-of-living-crisis-will-push-more-people-into-mental-health-crisis-warn-experts [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7593961/ [6] https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-help/ [7] https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-help/contact-us/ [8] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57458395 [9] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-57475008 [10] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-57458395 [11] https://www.thecalmzone.net/about-calm/our-impact/ [12] https://www.thecalmzone.net/support-us/ [13] https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-help/music-and-calm/ [14] https://www.thecalmzone.net/about-calm/money-talks/ [15] https://www.thecalmzone.net/about-calm/our-impact/ [16] https://www.thecalmzone.net/support-us/donate/
The summer season, typically linked to joy and freedom, paradoxically hosts a significant rise in mental health challenges, including increased psychiatric emergencies and suicide rates, due to factors like heat-related disruptions, psychosocial stressors, and economic pressures [1][2][3][4]. In response to these concerns, organizations such as The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) strive to support mental health, providing life-saving resources and fostering conversations about mental health and well-being within the context of health-and-wellness [2][6]. Science plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing these issues, shedding light on the effects of high temperatures, life transitions, and the cost of living crisis on mental health [1][3][4].
