Introduction to Seasonal Affective Disorder

In many cultures throughout history, spring and summer have been associated with rebirth, life and vitality, and are celebrated. But for some people, this time of year is anything but celebratory. For them, warm weather brings on feelings of anxiety and persistent agitation.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

In the popular consciousness, Seasonal affective disorder is most often associated with the feelings of depression that arise during cold, overcast winter months — but there is a warm-weather variant as well. Jami Dumler, regional clinic director for Thriveworks in Pennsylvania, said warm-weather SAD is more associated with anxiety and agitation than depression, and is less common.

Symptoms of Summer SAD

“With winter seasonal depression, that might look like increased sleeping, weight gain, lacking energy, withdrawing from your social circles, versus that more agitated summer SAD [which] might look like insomnia, weight loss, agitation or mood swings and anxiety as a whole,” Dumler said. Winter SAD’s onset is associated with the changing of the seasons and the cold weather, being stuck indoors, shorter days and less sunlight exposure. However, Dumler said, there is a correlation between extreme heat and agitation. People on psychiatric medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers, for example, may have more difficulty regulating their body’s temperature, she said.

The Impact of Extreme Heat and Sunlight

Dr. Dhanalakshmi Ramasamy, psychiatrist at Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley Health Network, said increased sunlight also can lead to sleep disturbances, which can have a downstream effect on mental health. However, Ramasamy added, SAD during warm weather months is not quite as well understood as the winter variant and more research is needed.

Compounding Effects on Mental Health

Dumler added that for people who are already prone to depression or anxiety, the onset of summer SAD may have a compounding effect. Even beyond SAD, summer and spring can create mental health challenges for some. Suicides and suicide attempts tend to be higher in spring. “It can be a challenging time of year when folks are turning a corner and seeing the joy and brightness of summer, getting out and getting active, and if you are still struggling, that can feel really alienating and lead to people stepping more into that suicidal space,” Dumler said.

Mental Health Challenges in Warm Weather

The warm weather months and all that go with it can cause flare-ups or problems for people with other mental health conditions or mental illnesses, doctors said. Dr. Jordan Holter, psychiatrist with St. Luke’s Penn Foundation, said going to pools or the beach may have impacts on people with body dysmorphia, as wearing more revealing clothes may be triggering. Holter added that for children with conditions like autism spectrum disorder or who have intellectual disabilities, the loss of a structured environment may be disruptive and exacerbate their condition. For children with ADHD, depression or anxiety, the return to school and all the stresses and pressures that come with it may lead to visits to the emergency room, he said.

Managing Symptoms and Seeking Help

All the mental health professionals The Morning Call spoke to said that taking care of your mental health during summer is possible with available tools. Dumler said that for her patients, she prioritizes social connection, physical health and mental health. “Often, if you have both or all three of those things going, you’re going to have more impact than just focusing on one,” Dumler said. Getting exercise, eating a healthy diet with lots of fiber, and taking time to plan things with family and friends can all play a part in improving mental health during the summer. She added that light therapy can help in treating both summer and winter variants of SAD.

Treatment Options

Holter said selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antidepressants and traditional therapy are, of course, options as well. Ramasamy said one of the things she recommends is making lifestyle modifications that allow people to increase the levels of vitamin D in their bodies. She said another is adopting good sleep hygiene habits like going to bed at a consistent time and not spending time on devices right before bed. “We cannot exclude suicidal thoughts and things like that,” Ramasamy said. “If it’s getting worse, of course, they can go to the ER, call 911, the suicide hotline [988] to get the support they need.”

Conclusion

Seasonal affective disorder can affect people in different ways, regardless of the time of year. While winter SAD is more commonly discussed, summer SAD is a real and significant issue for many individuals. By understanding the symptoms and seeking help, people can manage their mental health and improve their overall well-being.

FAQs

Q: What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
A: Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in the winter or summer.
Q: What are the symptoms of summer SAD?
A: Symptoms of summer SAD include insomnia, weight loss, agitation, mood swings, and anxiety.
Q: How can I manage my symptoms of summer SAD?
A: You can manage your symptoms by prioritizing social connection, physical health, and mental health, and seeking help from a mental health professional.
Q: What are some treatment options for summer SAD?
A: Treatment options include light therapy, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antidepressants, and traditional therapy.
Q: Where can I get help if I am experiencing suicidal thoughts?
A: You can call 911, the suicide hotline [988], or go to the ER to get the support you need.