When Everyone's Smiling but You're Struggling: Summer Sadness Is Real

Angela van den Heuvel
Jul 17
2 min read

Summer: the season of sun, patios, road trips, and "good vibes only." It seems like everyone’s outside laughing, glowing, and snapping perfectly lit selfies. But what if you’re not?

What if you feel alone, emotionally heavy, or just… off? The dissonance can make it feel even worse.

This blog is your soft landing place—a reminder that summer sadness is real, and it deserves space too.

When the Sunshine Doesn’t Reach You

There’s a name for what you might be feeling: Summer-onset Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While winter SAD is more well-known, summer SAD brings its own emotional challenges:

Overstimulation from heat and long days
Disrupted routines and sleep cycles
Social comparison and increased FOMO
Financial strain from travel, camps, or "fun expectations"

Even if you don’t meet the clinical criteria, it’s valid to feel off-balance during a time that’s supposed to feel light.

The Pressure to Be Happy Can Hurt

Our culture associates summer with freedom, fun, and peak happiness. So if you’re struggling, the disconnect between your inner world and the outer one can feel isolating. You might wonder:

"What’s wrong with me?"
"Why can’t I enjoy this?"
"Am I ruining it for everyone else?"

Let’s be clear: nothing is wrong with you. You are not a buzzkill. You’re a human being navigating a tough season. And that deserves compassion.

Gentle Coping Ideas

Create your own version of summer: You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. Joy can be quiet.
Honor your rhythms: Sleep, hydration, and breaks from social media matter more than ever.
Plan moments of softness: Try a morning walk, a low-stimulus hobby, or time in a dark, cool space.
Reach out: Whether it’s a friend, therapist, or support line—talking can make the weight lighter.