It makes more sense to struggle with seasonal depression, or seasonal affect disorder (SAD), in the months that cut down sunlight hours and activities during the winter, right? Sure; however, this does not mean that SAD cannot be experienced in the spring and summer months as well.
First, we need to understand what SAD is, beginning with the fact that it is a form of depression. As we know, depression symptoms most often include: insomnia or oversleeping, unintended weight loss or weight gain, loss of interest in things once enjoyed, difficulty concentrating, feelings of low energy, and feelings of hopelessness. The thing that makes this type of depression SAD and not major depressive disorder (MDD) is that these symptoms are experienced at the beginning of a certain season and dissipate at the same time each year.
While it is most common to experience SAD during the winter months, it is also possible to experience SAD during the spring and summer months for other reasons. In some areas of the world, spring and summer months bring things that may cause people to become less active despite longer periods of sunlight; such as seasonal allergies due to pollen, high temperatures, and schedule changes.
Seasonal allergies can cause itchy and/or watery eyes, runny nose, sore throat, and what can seem like constant sneezing, which can negatively affect a person’s mood. Allergies can also cause people to sleep more, eat less, and stay inside most of the day to avoid pollen, which all have the possibility of fueling depression symptoms.
High temperatures, especially in areas that reach triple digits, can make outdoor activities less enjoyable with having to constantly apply and reapply sunscreen, having to drink more water or other fluids to stay hydrated (not to mention increased potty breaks that accompany this), easily experiencing heat exhaustion, and then add the possibility of high humidity on top of that–FORGET IT–people may end up spending more time indoors to avoid the heat. More time indoors with less exposure to sunlight can also contribute to SAD.
In most areas, summer months bring other challenges like changes in daily routines, such as children being home from school, earlier work hours, and increase in traveling. Sometimes, depression symptoms can sneak up on us when we experience difficulty adjusting to changes in our daily routines or schedules. For example, with children home from school, some parents have to make arrangements for child care, provide 2 to 3 additional meals per day, and attend seasonal activities their children are involved in. Difficulty adjusting to brief schedule changes can cause increased stress (due to scheduling and finances), which can contribute to depression symptoms.
Another thing that may contribute to SAD symptoms during spring and summer months are cognitive distortions surrounding poor body image and self-esteem. Some people may be triggered by the thought of putting on a swimsuit and being in public, causing social isolation, which can also contribute to depression symptoms.
Whether you or someone you know deals with SAD during fall and winter months or spring and summer months, our therapists at Niyyah can help! Our therapists are trained in many different treatment modalities to address issues of depression, anxiety, and cognitive distortions surrounding circumstances and activities in any and all seasons. You deserve to be the best version of yourself, no matter how many hours of sunlight you have in a day.