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For All Seasons Offers Tips for Dealing with Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder
As temperatures rise and the days grow longer, some people experience a form of depression known as summer-pattern Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While Seasonal Affective Disorder is most commonly associated with the shorter, darker days of winter, a smaller number of people experience depressive symptoms during the spring and summer months. Although less common than winter-pattern SAD, summer-pattern SAD is a recognized condition that can significantly affect a person's mood, energy, and daily functioning.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people experiencing summer-pattern depression may notice increased irritability and frustration, along with symptoms such as insomnia, low energy, and a lack of motivation. Summertime SAD can be caused by both physiological and environmental changes. Weather is one major factor, as high temperatures and humidity can drain people’s energy and disrupt neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which govern mood. Another major factor includes changes in sleep patterns in the summer. Longer days can push bedtime later, disrupting routine – making people feel tired, overwhelmed, and out of rhythm.
Summer is also a time when there is more social pressure, and people may experience a “Fear of Missing Out,” which causes anxiety. Other factors include body image concerns with summer wardrobe changes, as well as seasonal allergies, leading to inflammation, which has been linked to depression.
Scientific American reported in a recent NIH Study that those experiencing summer SAD were more “irritable” and “restless” and reported higher incidences of insomnia, reduced appetite, and more frequent weight loss. Other symptoms include headaches or migraines, low energy or fatigue, lack of motivation, and social isolation.
The staff at For All Seasons recommends that small, steady changes can help you shake off the summer blues. Sticking to a routine, tracking mood changes, staying cool and setting limits, staying hydrated and nourished, and setting realistic summer expectations can also be helpful.
“It’s not always easy to tell the difference between temporary summertime sadness and something more serious, so if your mood affects your daily life, including work, relationships, or your ability to get through your daily routine, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider or mental health professional,” shares Lesa Mulcahy, Chief Clinical Officer at For All Seasons.
Persons who experience thoughts of taking their life or harming others should seek emergency care by calling 911 or emergency services or contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) for confidential emotional support, available 24/7. The staff at For All Seasons is also available to help you manage the summertime sadness and other challenges. Reach out to us at 410-822-1018.
For further information, visit https://centerforlearning.forallseasonsinc.org/coach-bob/.
For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education and outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive high-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it – regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons’ walk-in hours, call 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.
