Struggles in Summer: Mental Health Challenges During the Warmer Months
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a UK-based charity, is working tirelessly to combat suicide and provide essential support for those struggling with their mental health. However, the charity's efforts are particularly crucial during the summer months when suicide rates peak, contrary to the common belief that winter is the most challenging season.
Summer's Deceptive Cheer
Summer, often associated with fun, freedom, and festivals, can be a challenging time for individuals battling mental health issues. The psychological and social contrast between societal expectations for joy and their own emotional pain can intensify feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and hopelessness, leading to a surge in suicidal thoughts.
The seasonal pattern of suicide rates is influenced by several factors. These include summer depression or reverse seasonal affective disorder, biologically-related changes, environmental stressors, and epidemiological data. Men, in particular, have a significantly higher risk of suicide during summer, with about a 13% increase in risk compared to winter.
CALM's Crucial Role
Founded by Tony Wilson, a record label owner, CALM has been at the forefront of challenging the stigma surrounding mental health and providing life-saving support. The charity's work with music and creative expression is integral to the conversation around mental health, using it as a means of connection, catharsis, and sometimes survival.
CALM offers a free, confidential helpline, web chat, and WhatsApp support every day from 5pm to midnight. Their website provides practical support and advice for those struggling with their mental health. CALM believes in reaching people in unexpected spaces to provide life-saving information.
The Cost of Living Crisis
The cost of living crisis is exacerbating mental health issues, with 1 in 2 people feeling anxious due to financial pressure. CALM's 'Money Talks' research shows young people are struggling disproportionately, and social media, which often paints a misleading picture of summer, can exacerbate feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) in people struggling silently.
Every Pound Counts
Every pound donated to CALM helps them reach more people, start more life-saving conversations, and keep vital services running. Donations can be made on the charity's website or when shopping online. CALM marks missed birthdays as a reminder of those lost too soon, collaborating with drill artists to challenge stigma and continue their life-saving work.
In a world where the cultural expectations of summer happiness can exacerbate underlying mental health struggles, CALM stands as a beacon of hope, providing essential support and starting life-saving conversations.
Science plays a crucial role in understanding the seasonal pattern of suicide rates, particularly during summer months, as it helps identify factors such as summer depression, biologically-related changes, environmental stressors, and other epidemiological data that contribute to the rise in mental health issues during this time.
Health-and-wellness organizations like The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) are vital in addressing this issue, offering various support services such as a helpline, web chat, and WhatsApp support, while also challenging existing stigmas surrounding mental health through creative means like music and art.
