In our collective imagination, summer is painted with bold strokes of bright colors—azure blue skies, vibrant green trees, and, above all, a radiant sun that bathes the world in light and warmth. We envision it as a season of joy and rejuvenation, marked by long, carefree days and short, starlit nights.
Yet for some, the idyllic summer landscape can cast a shadow over their mental wellbeing.
Redefining Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is traditionally associated with winter, the stereotypical images being that of a grey landscape, shorter days, and a lack of sunlight affecting our moods. The condition is well-accepted and well-understood in these terms.
However, a less frequently discussed variant is summer-onset SAD, a condition that brings despair not in the lack of light, but in its abundance.
The complex interplay between our biology and the environment reveals that SAD is not merely a product of darkness. Our body’s circadian rhythm, serotonin levels, and melatonin production can all be influenced by the shift in seasons, whether it’s a descent into winter or a transition into summer. This complexity challenges the conventional understanding of SAD and invites us to consider the role of summer as a potential trigger.
Symptoms of Summer-Onset SAD
Summer-onset SAD is more than just a dislike for hot weather. It’s a collection of symptoms that mirror their winter counterparts, including depression, anxiety, agitation, and changes in appetite or weight.
However, it carries unique summer traits—insomnia due to longer daylight hours, loss of appetite rather than increased hunger, and an overwhelming feeling of heat-induced fatigue or discomfort.
Understanding these symptoms helps paint a more accurate picture of summer SAD, encouraging greater awareness and empathy for those who find summer days not quite as bright as they seem to the rest of us.
How Light and Heat Affect Your Wellbeing
Light is a double-edged sword. While it is crucial for regulating our internal biological clock and promoting a sense of wellbeing, too much of it, especially in the summer months, can disrupt
our circadian rhythms. This disruption can lead to a cascade of physiological changes, including alterations in serotonin and melatonin levels, which may contribute to the onset of summer SAD.
The intense heat of summer can also strain the body’s thermal regulation, adding to the physical discomfort and contributing to feelings of restlessness and anxiety—symptoms that are commonly reported in individuals with summer SAD.
Strategies for Coping with Summer SAD
Despite the challenges posed by summer SAD, there are things you can do to help manage its impact:
- Maintain a balanced schedule: Regular sleeping, eating, and activity schedules can help stabilize circadian rhythms disrupted by extended daylight.
- Stay cool: Use air conditioning or fans, wear light clothing, and stay hydrated to help manage heat discomfort.
- Seek out peaceful environments: Places with minimal noise and crowd can be calming, reducing the agitation associated with summer SAD.
- Explore early morning or late evening outdoor activities: The sun’s intensity is lower during these times, reducing exposure to intense light and heat.
- Limit evening light exposure: Keeping lights off in the evening, including turning off TV, computer, and phone screens, can help regulate sleep patterns and mood. This can aid in mitigating the disruptions caused by longer daylight hours in summer.
- Reach out for professional help: Don’t hesitate to consult mental health professionals who can provide expert advice and treatment options.
Understanding and addressing summer SAD is not just about acknowledging that too much sunshine can cast a shadow over our mental wellbeing. It’s about equipping ourselves with the tools to navigate these darker periods and paving the way towards brighter, more joyous summers for those who experience this lesser-known form of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
