Feeling Down During Summer? You Might Be Experiencing Seasonal Depression in Arizona

When people hear "seasonal depression," they usually think of winter. But in places like Phoenix, Arizona, seasonal depression can hit hardest during the summer.

If you’re feeling irritable, unmotivated, or disconnected as the temperatures rise, you’re not alone. Many Arizona residents experience what's known as reverse seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—a form of summer seasonal depression triggered by extreme heat, disrupted routines, and isolation.

At InnerBloom Therapy Services in Phoenix, we support individuals, adolescents and couples dealing with emotional shifts during the most intense time of the year. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Summer Seasonal Depression?

Summer-pattern seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that occurs in warmer months. Instead of being triggered by dark, cold weather, it’s often brought on by:

• Extreme heat and sun exposure

• Disrupted sleep and activity routines

• Increased isolation due to heat

• Body image stress

• Guilt about not enjoying summer

For many people in Arizona, especially in cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa, summer brings more stress than relaxation.

Common Signs of Summer Depression in Arizona

If you live in the Phoenix area and struggle during the summer, look out for:

• Feeling low, tired, or emotionally flat

• Irritability, anxiety or changes in mood

• Trouble sleeping (often insomnia)

• Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy

• Difficulty focusing or staying motivated

• Withdrawing from friends or loved ones

These symptoms can be easy to dismiss—especially when everyone else seems to be enjoying the season. But your experience is valid and treatable.

Why Is Seasonal Depression Worse in Arizona Summers?

Unlike winter-pattern SAD, which is linked to a lack of light, summer depression in Arizona is tied to environmental overwhelm.
Our desert climate presents unique mental health challenges:

• Temperatures often exceed 110°F

• Outdoor activity becomes nearly impossible

• Social life slows down dramatically

• Air conditioning becomes both a refuge and a prison

This mix of environmental stress and isolation can impact your mood, energy, and ability to regulate emotions.

How to Cope with Summer Depression in Phoenix

Here are some therapist-recommended strategies to help you navigate this season:

1. Adjust Your Routine

• Wake early for outdoor movement before the heat sets in

• Maintain consistent sleep and meal times

• Create a weekly rhythm that supports your energy and emotions

2. Make Your Indoor Space Calming

• Use soft lighting and cooling scents (eucalyptus, mint)

• Stay hydrated (consider adding electrolytes) and eat grounding, nourishing meals

• Create space for rest and small pleasures

• Create a new indoor hobby to inspire creativity such as art, lego building, crochet, writing or reading a book!

3. Stay Connected

• Plan indoor meetups or virtual hangouts

• Schedule regular check-ins with friends or a therapist

• Find a summer support group or therapy group online

4. Get out of town!

• By driving a couple of hours north, the temp can drop 30+ degrees!

• Consider an affordable stay-cation at one of the many phoenix resorts

• Visit lakes or bodies of water in other parts of AZ where temps are cooler

4. Don’t Skip Therapy in the Summer

Therapy can be a lifeline in hot, isolating months. At InnerBloom Therapy Services, we specialize in emotionally focused therapy, trauma recovery, and navigating challenging or disruptive emotions.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or lost this summer, working with a therapist can help you:

• Understand your emotional cycles

• Build self-regulation skills

• Stay connected to yourself and others

Consider meeting with your therapist virtually as another way to beat the heat!

5. Give Yourself Grace

Summer isn’t “fun” for everyone. Let go of pressure to enjoy it. Instead, ask:

• What do I need today?

• How can I soften this moment?

• Where can I create ease in my week?

• Is summer a season where I allow myself to slow down a bit?

Therapy for Seasonal Depression in Phoenix, Arizona

You deserve support—even (and especially) when the sun is high, the days are long, and you're not feeling like yourself. At InnerBloom Therapy in Phoenix, we help individuals and couples navigate difficult seasons with clarity, compassion, and clinical tools that work.

If you're struggling with summer depression, anxiety, or struggles in your relationship, reach out today. You don’t have to push through this season alone.

→ Schedule a free consultation or book a session now.