We all know about seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but what mental wellness issues should we be aware of for the rest of the year? Reflecting on the most widely known mental health awareness initiatives, like Bell Let's Talk and Seasonal Depression Awareness Month, there is a tendency to focus on mental health in the winter months. Mental health, like any other medical condition, doesn't take time off for summer, so it is critical to amplify mental health awareness throughout the year.


Julie Sabine is a mental health consultant and passionate mental health advocate who helped create Inkblot, Canada's largest online therapy platform. With over 20 years in the industry, Julie provides mental health workshops for children and their caregivers to promote mental well-being.

"Because mental health issues affect one in five Canadians, who spend most of their waking hours working, leaders cannot afford to ignore the well-being of their people at any time of the year," Sabine told HCM DIALOGUE.

SAD in the summertime

Sabine explains that SAD was thought to be caused by a lack of sunlight; however, it is also hereditary, and some people are affected in the summer. While seasonal depression in the summer is less common compared to winter, Sabine notes that summer can be stressful because of routine disruptions, rising temperatures and expectations that we should be trying to make the most out of what many Canadians call "the best season of the year." Some symptoms of depression include trouble sleeping, weight loss, agitation and anxiety.

Practicing sleep hygiene

Sleep impacts our health, and good sleep hygiene (bedroom and daily routines that promote consistent, uninterrupted sleep) is one of the best ways to maintain good mental health. Long, hot summer days can lead to sleep disruption, impacting activity in certain parts of the brain. Sabine explains that this can lead to trouble solving problems, poor decision-making, lack of control over emotions and inability to cope with life's challenges, exacerbating anxiety and depression. She suggests best practices to ensure a good night's sleep, including:

  • Keeping electronic devices out of the bedroom
  • Limiting caffeine to the morning
  • Exercising and getting fresh air during the day
  • Winding down with a relaxing activity and no screens or food for at least two hours before bedtime

Sabine adds that working with the temperature and light in your bedroom can help. Use air conditioning when the temperature rises, and if you don't have air conditioning, fans and cooling blankets can help a lot. Blackout curtains and eye masks can block out sunlight and help you get the sleep you require.

Medication and heat

Medication can impact the body's response to heat. It is crucial to know how heat can affect us. Sabine says, "Certain SSRIs [selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors] can interfere with the functioning of sweat glands and the hypothalamus, which regulate the body's temperature. This can cause heat intolerance, marked by headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness and irritability." Dehydration can impact our serotonin levels, which can lead to low moods and depression.

Recommendations for those taking SSRIs are the same as those for anyone during a heat wave. A focus on hydration is key, as water helps keep the body cool and replenishes fluids lost from heat and humidity. People experiencing sensitivity to heat should also dress for the weather, limit time in the sun, avoid strenuous activities and eat light meals. Sabine adds, "If none of these strategies work, talk to your doctor, as not all SSRIs make you heat sensitive."

Workplaces should ensure that staff have access to air-conditioned spaces and plenty of fluids in the summer months.

Climate change and mental health

Hot summer months and heat advisories remind us of the current and impending consequences of global warming. Sabine says she believes that "the collective and individual fear that surrounds this phenomenon is the biggest culprit negatively impacting people's mental health," calling out the constant news cycles providing images of natural disasters and their fallout, which naturally leave people feeling worried and scared. Sabine recommends researching and talking with others about these fears and insecurities and taking action to help manage some of the negative and overwhelming emotional responses that come up. She reinforces a reminder to take breaks from the news and social media, as your brain will thank you!

Supporting staff struggling with their mental wellness

It helps when workplaces recognize that summer can be particularly stressful for some people. Sabine recommends implementing mental health workshops to raise awareness, which can lead to important discussions and normalization, decreased stigma and increased compassion in the workplace. She suggests focusing on how mental health is affected by long, hot days and what to do about it.

For leaders in human capital management, regular review of company benefit plans can ensure adequate coverage for employees to seek professional help when needed.

Sabine concludes, "As for support, the best thing leaders can do is promote work-life balance, which increases productivity. This looks different for everyone, so have the conversations and listen to the feedback. Lead by example and be open to flexible work days that allow workers to get the job done remotely or during different hours while addressing their mental wellness needs." 





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