While most of us associate long, sunny days with positivity and energy, some individuals face unexpected challenges summer may bring. Just as the darker months can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the winter, the increased sunlight, heat, and longer days can lead to a lesser-known condition: Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder (Summer SAD). How does this seasonal twist impact people’s mental health, and what are ways to cope with the intense glow of the summer months?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression linked to seasonal changes, typically starting and concluding around the same period each year.
There are two types of SAD:
1. Fall-onset: Often referred to as winter depression, symptoms emerge in the late fall or early winter and usually improve during the summer months.
2. Spring-onset: Known as summer depression, symptoms arise in late spring or early summer. This form is significantly less common.
People with Summer SAD may experience reduced melatonin levels, which supports the idea that long, hot days can worsen sleep quality and contribute to depression symptoms. While it’s true that longer daylight hours, shorter nights, and higher temperatures can also disrupt sleep, these theories have not been systematically tested.
What Are the Symptoms of SAD?
Symptoms of Depression:
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy, fatigue, or a sense of being slowed down
- Difficulty with concentration, memory, or decision-making
- Physical symptoms such as aches, headaches, cramps, or digestive issues without a clear cause that don’t improve with treatment.
For those experiencing Summer SAD, additional symptoms may include:
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Poor appetite leading to weight loss
- Restlessness and agitation
- Anxiety
- Aggressive or violent behavior
If you or someone you know is displaying symptoms of Summer SAD, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider or mental health specialist. They may ask you to complete a questionnaire to assess whether your symptoms meet the criteria for SAD.
Johns Hopkins Health Plans offers a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Quiz that you can take here. However, please note that this quiz is not a substitute for a healthcare provider’s opinion or diagnosis.
While the longer days and sunshine of summer are welcomed by many, they can cast unexpected shadows for those with Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder. Seeking professional help and actively managing your mental health are key to finding balance and enjoying the season.
How Do You Treat Summer SAD?
In addition to seeking help from a mental health professional, Dr. Rohit Madan, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona, suggests avoiding caffeinated beverages and drinking lots of fluids, especially water.
“You should also engage in activities that promote self-care, relaxation, and stress reduction. This may include practicing mindfulness or meditation, engaging in regular physical exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, getting sufficient sleep, and establishing a daily routine,” he says.
If you are suffering from insomnia associated with Summer SAD, Everyday Health suggests trying podcasts like GetSleepy, BoringBooksforBedtime, or apps like Calm or a sound machine.
Take some time for deep breathing. It is an essential part of self-care.
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Resources
Johns Hopkins Medicine: Seasonal Affective Disorder
National Institute of Mental Health. Seasonal Affective Disorder
Johns Hopkins HealthCare. Take the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Quiz.
Mayo Clinic. Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms & Causes.
