As the Seasons Change, So Do We: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the Summer

What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of mood disorder that is associated with the changes in the seasons. As the seasons change, so do we! And our moods can be altered just like the weather outside.

• This often occurs in winter but can happen at any time of the year.

• When it happens in the summer it is unlike the “winter blues,” it can be triggered by sunlight instead.

What is my summer depression all about?

• This can be challenging due to the added pressure that you feel you are expected to have a good time over the summer months

• Experts expect that longer days/ increased heat can cause an influence.

• Challenges with the heat can cause you to avoid outside activity and lack motivation to be outside at all.

• Summer can cost a LOT. there can be a lack of a typical routine and an expectation to pay for more. Sometimes vacations, and feeling like you can not miss out on experiences can cause you to splurge. People often feel financially in a bind during these months.

• Children are home! This means more entertainment and perhaps more supervision. Additionally, more paying for babysitters or coordination of kids plans. This can be an added layer of stress.

• Sometimes we also stress about our body image in the summer months as we wear fewer clothes due to the weather and environments like pools and beaches. This can often cause people to retract from social events if they do not feel comfortable

How often does this happen to people?

• It is extremely common! Over 3 million cases occur in the US per year!

• This can be more common in people who have a family history of SAD.

• Women are more prone to SAD

• Though it typically happens in the winter, 10% of people experience this in the summer.

What would I feel for Summer SAD?

• Though this can look different for anyone, some symptoms may include

  • Depressed for the majority of that season

  • Sadness

  • Anxiety

  • Lack of interest in activities

  • Losing concentration

  • Lack of energy

  • Sleep disruptions including over or under-sleeping

  • Feeling a lack of worth or hope

  • Nausea

  • Lack of desire to eat

  • Weight loss

How can I help my summer depression?

• There are a variety of different tactics that you can use to help yourself when you are feeling impacted by SAD.

  • Talk with your doctor

  • Prepare for what may come! Plan your cooking and focus on a balanced and nutritious diet

  • Schedule activities in the months you may feel more relaxed.

  • Plan vacations carefully and ahead of time- consider financially what you really can handle and try to consider alternatives in taking shorter breaks or doing a staycation

  • Consider journaling

  • Exercise sensibly to increase your mood but try not to put pressure on yourself with a restrictive or over-exercise-induced plan!

  • Make sure you are getting the right amount of sleep (at least 7 hours)

  • Look into self-care practices - such as meditation, breathing, etc.

  • Hydrate your body and drink water!

  • Engage in therapeutic practice- either open up to a friend or family member or begin talking to a licensed clinician.