Seasonal Affective Disorder Isn’t Just for Wintertime Anymore

Most people associate depression with the cold and dark days of winter, but some people may experience a form of depression during the summer months.

This is known as summer seasonal depression, or summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Summer SAD is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year, usually starting in late spring or early summer and ending in fall. It is not very common, affecting only about 1% of the population, but it can be very debilitating for those who suffer from it.

What causes Summer SAD?

The exact causes of summer SAD are not fully understood, but some possible factors include:

• The heat and humidity of summer, which can make some people feel uncomfortable, irritable, or exhausted.
• The longer days of summer, which can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm and affect the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and mood.
• The social pressure of summer, which can make some people feel inadequate, lonely, or isolated if they do not have the same opportunities or expectations as others to enjoy vacations, outdoor activities, or social events.
• The changes in routine and schedule of summer, which can affect the availability of support systems, such as family, friends, or therapists.

What are the symptoms of Summer SAD?

Some of the common symptoms of summer SAD include:

• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Trouble sleeping or insomnia
• Agitation, anxiety, or restlessness
• Irritability, anger, or frustration
• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or guilt
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

If you think you may have summer SAD, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. Summer SAD is a serious condition that can affect your quality of life and your health. There are effective treatments available, such as medication, psychotherapy, or light therapy.

In addition to seeking professional help, there are some self-care tips that you can try to cope with summer SAD. Here are three suggestions:

1. Stay cool and hydrated

• Avoid exposure to extreme heat and humidity, which can worsen your mood and energy levels
• Use air conditioning, fans, or shades to keep your home comfortable
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you and affect your sleep

2. Maintain a regular sleep schedule

• Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends and holidays
• Avoid napping during the day, which can interfere with your night sleep
• Use curtains, blinds, or an eye mask to block out the sunlight in your bedroom
• You may also want to use earplugs or a white noise machine to block out any noise that may disturb your sleep

3. Seek social support

• Reach out to your family, friends, or other people who care about you and understand what you are going through
• Share your feelings and thoughts with them and ask for their help and advice
• Join a support group or an online community where you can connect with others who have similar experiences
• You may also want to volunteer for a cause that you care about or join a club or a hobby group that interests you