Sun's Out, Still Down? Understanding Seasonal Depression In Spring And Summer
CLOSE Source: Inside Creative House / Getty
It's finally feeling like spring is in the air! The weather is warming up, the pollen invasion is winding down, and summer is just around the corner. Time to shake off those winter blues, touch some grass, and engage in some much needed summer fun.
But what if your mood is still feeling dark and cold despite the sunny weather? Or maybe even because of it?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) typically impacts people during the winter months. However, studies show that seasonal depression isn't limited to just one time of the year. While it's less common, summertime seasonal depression is very real and thankfully, there are effective ways to ward off summertime SAD and look forward to brighter days ahead.
RELATED: Here's How Social Connection Helps Combat Depression Source: Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty
SAD affects about four to six percent of the population who typically experience an increase in depressive symptoms during the winter months, when days are shorter and colder and people are more isolated. However, about 10 percent of those with SAD experience their symptoms in the summer months.
Researchers are still trying to definitively determine what causes SAD but many believe extreme weather to be one of the culprits. Winter weather limits the body's access to Vitamin D from sunlight which can cause a dip in serotonin levels leading to an unhappy mood. However, the excessive heat of the spring and summer months can be equally unbearable and depressing as the winter cold. Trying to beat the heat by staying indoors and remaining isolated can lead to depressive episodes.
Symptoms of summer depression are consistent with typical SAD symptoms and include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, changes in weight, depression and anxiety. Source: Drazen Zigic / Getty
While for many people, summertime comes with fun in the sun, the warm days can also bring with them new stresses and triggers.
Maintaining a routine is important for maintaining good mental health but the spring and summer months often come with multiple changes in personal schedules. Planned summer travel plus prolonged breaks from school for students or parents with children can disrupt sleep, meal times, and other self care habits which can lead to depression.
Summer weather also puts body image issues on full display. Studies show that Black women experience higher rates of body dysmorphic disorders (BDD) and as temperatures rise, clothing becomes more revealing and insecurities can be on exposed. Feelings of embarrassment, inadequacy, or over exposure can cause anxiety, body dysmorphia, or isolation from outdoor social activities.
Speaking of socializing, the spring and summer months are plentiful/abounding/have no shortage of outdoor activities to get involved in. But that can also create a sense of pressure in some people (or FOMO) to say yes to every plan, draining their bank accounts and their mental battery. If everyone else is having a good time having fun in the sun, why can't you? Experiencing SAD in the spring and summer months can lead to feelings of shame and guilt that only exacerbate depressive symptoms.
There is help available for people who struggle with seasonal depression at any time of the year. If you're experiencing what you think may be depression symptoms, consult a physician or therapist right away.
You can also preemptively combat summertime SAD by planning ahead for the warmer months. Eating a healthy diet to maintain balanced mood and energy levels, getting enough sleep, and staying as active as possible through exercise and socializing can also help you feel better. A doctor might also describe medication to help offset feelings of depression and anxiety.
Most of all, don't get down on yourself if you're not feeling up to fun in the sun this spring and summertime. Everyone is different and enjoys different things. The most important thing you can do any time of year is to take care of yourself in the unique ways that you need.
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