Brookhaven Retreat Recognizes Summer Depression as Threat to Women’s Mental Health
Knoxville, TN (PRWEB) July 03, 2013 -- July 4 and the summer holidays have arrived. For women with mental health and substance abuse issues, summer can be an emotionally difficult time of year. Brookhaven Retreat experiences an influx of women seeking residential treatment during the holidays, emphasizing the emotional needs of women during the summertime.
Culturally, summer is known as a time to enjoy vacation, relax and feel carefree. Yet for women suffering from mental health issues, this cultural expectation can aggravate anxiety, grief and depression.
While winter weather is well known for causing seasonal depression, summer can be equally distressing. Despite the long and sunny days, summer depression is actually quite common; a Dutch study reported the highest rates of depression and sadness in the summer and fall.
Rising temperatures and high humidity both increase irritability and depression. Women are also more likely to stay inside where sunshine cannot stimulate the body’s production of mood-boosting vitamin D.
The vacation season can be especially difficult for women dealing with bereavement and loss. There is nothing more painful for a woman dealing with grief than to find herself alone, emotionally hungry and unable to process her loss. Summer can be very triggering, making women more likely to isolate and thus worsen their condition.
When depression begins to interfere with life, it is important to seek help. Although women may be reluctant to seek treatment during the summer holidays, their wellbeing, happiness and future may depend on this help.
This summer, Brookhaven Retreat encourages women to note how they feel and what aspects of their schedule could be causing them to feel this way. For serious mental health issues, residential treatment can help develop the self-awareness and confidence needed to manage emotions and behaviors that contribute to summertime depression.
About Brookhaven Retreat
Brookhaven Retreat is a women's treatment center nestled on a naturally beautiful 48-acre site secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It has helped hundreds of women across the United States overcome depression, trauma, anxiety, substance use and a range of other behavioral health challenges. Brookhaven’s Founder, Jacqueline Dawes, has predicated its gender-specific treatment on “healing emotional breakage” for women. In this way, she has established a sanctuary and a place where women can feel safe, secure and cared for by a staff of highly trained professionals.
Jessica Wirth, Brookhaven Retreat, http://www.brookhavenretreat.com, 865.573.3656, [email protected]
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