Why in the summer?

[suzi-q]

Every single year for the past 14 years, I get the worst anxiety in the summer.  There are no "bad experiences" to correlate with it.  I know I hate the heat, but I have a beautiful pool and central air.  I am a teacher and I am off in the summer.  You would think it would make me relax?  NOT!  Maybe because it is unscheduled time?  I know that I like to be busy, but in the summer it takes everything to get me to move.  WHY WHY WHY????  ANYONE OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR ME?

[suzi-q]

bump

[Northcoast]

Glad I could help someone with one of my responses!  Makes me feel good.  So thanks for your comments.   I also think I get down because of summer clothes are more revealing and I've put on a spare tire and get depressed when I go shopping for clothes.  But I think my Dr. hit the nail on the head when he said that I fear that I won't have the fun that I wish I could have due to my anxiety issues.  

[suzi-q]

Thank you all for your posts.  Yes, it is the lack of the schedule, the heat and also what Northcoast said!  I never thought of it that way before!  Looking back into my teen years and twenties, I would get stressed in the summer because I either didn't feel thin enough, (always a little chunky!) fair weather friends would show their colors, and always wanted a special "guy" for the 4th of July, weddings etc (like my friends did), but not me!  Wow, how one statement can bring so much back...I have to work on this...THANK YOU ALL!

[nursegirl6572]

WTG Mike....good for you!!!!

[shelzmike]

I know exactly what you mean! While I am very much better now (overall) and thankful for that, my anxiety kicks up just a bit in the summer. I know that mine is related to the heat, but this summer is the first summer I have been outside many days. Heck, I have a tan (farmer's anyway!) for the first time in 8 years! I have just given myself more things to concentrate on, which helps a lot. Also, my anxiety (and first full blown panic attack) happened in May, and that summer after was hell with taking the new meds that made me really hot, etc. I think this is what my issue was, but just like the anxiety in general I am licking this thing as well. 2008 has definately been my year!

Mike

[Northcoast]

I always get depressed/anxious in Spring, my favorite time of year.  I talked to my MD the other day and he suggested that maybe I see summer coming with all it's fun possibilities, yet I fear my "issues" will hold me back from having that fun so it gets me depressed.  Sounds pretty right on to me when I think about it.  Good luck to you!

[robbeth]

It's strange because my full blown anxiety attacks only happen in February.  I still feel anxious the rest of the year but have never had a full blown attack but in the month of February.... wonder why that is???

I agree with the others that it is probably your lack of a schedule and having time on your hands.  I know when I am not working I ALWAYS put off what can be done today until tomorrow..... my house is not as clean, the laundry not done, etc, etc.... strange the way we are sometimes.

elizabeth

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

suzi, i quit my job 2 years ago , i had anxiety now and than but not bad, when i quit in about 3 months i was in full blown anxiety like never before, i now get up and try and go out the house everyday , if i dont i have anxiety, so i belive you have no plan in the summer to get up and go to work so your mind starts taking over and does its thing. am joining a health spa so i can be busy myself, yes when at home i get it i have to stay busy.

[nursegirl6572]

LOL...can't win eh?  Sounds like a plan to me!  Anxiety doesn't always make a lot of sense does it?  The times when you would THINK you would be anxious, you're not, and the times when you feel just fine...you ARE.  Keeps us on our toes.

Oh, and thank you for being a teacher, and for spending more time with our kids than we do for most of the year!  ;0)

My daughter's teachers have all been so amazingly impressive, I couldn't say enough about them.  I know it is a hard, and often thankless job.  I appreciate your kind!!!

[suzi-q]

I have a 3 year old daughter who goes to day care during the school months.  I will still keep her there 2 days a week for the interaction with other kids and to keep her used to it.  I will have to think of something to get me moving EVERY MORNING, so I don't lie in bed saying "I don't want to get up" and then feel guilty for wasting yet another day.  Yes, I will think of a plan......I don't think I will get a job though because of the baby and also, the days she goes to school will be my days to clean the house, laundry, etc.  It isn't the lack of things to do,,,,it is just that if it isn't mandatory for me to do (like going to work), I tend to push it all off.  So, I am going to create a summer routine...who knows?  Maybe I will like it and then get anxiety for going BACK to work....UGH!!!!

[nursegirl6572]

Hey there!

I am the exact opposite...I have some aspects of SAD and cannot stand the winter months..when it is dark at 5pm, and little sunlight to enjoy...plus that evil snow...ick!

I'd be willing to bet it is the change in your schedule.  Teachers have very busy schedules, and it prolly keeps your mind VERY occupied thru the fall/winter/spring.  To go from that kind of schedule to having all kinds of "free" time can be stressful for some.  Some people just thrive more with a daily routine, ya know?

Plus, do you have school aged children?  THAT alone can cause stress.  My daughter enjoys her summer vacation for ohhhhh, about 12 hours and then for the remaining 3 months constantly reminds me that she is "bored".  Never mind our 15 acres outside...a virtual child's paradise.  UGH!  I can say that I seriously welcome the back-to-school displays when they start popping up.  Problem is...they put them out so early anymore...that it is a tease for us parents.  ;0)

Can you maybe do some tutoring or something thru the summer months?  Something PT to keep you organized, and on a schedule?