Summertime Sadness: Understanding The Summer Version of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Written By Danielle Jennings

When you think about seasonal affective disorder, you may often think about it being limited to Winter only. The truth is, it can occur at any time of the year. While many people do struggle with seasonal affective disorder in the Winter time with shorter days with sunlight and cooler weather. Others may find that they are struggling to adjust to the temperature and condition of the Summer. Or they may feel more anxious, irritable, down/depressed moods, or withdrawn as the weather gets warmer.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder

According to the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision), Seasonal Affective Disorder is classified as a specifier for Major Depressive Disorder:

“With seasonal pattern” applies when depressive episodes occur at a particular time of year for at least two consecutive years.

While winter-pattern SAD is more common, the DSM-5-TR acknowledges that a smaller percentage of people experience depressive episodes in spring or summer.

Symptoms:

Summer-onset SAD can look different from its winter counterpart for some. While for others, it can look very similar to winter onset SAD.

Common symptoms may include:

  • Insomnia or disrupted sleep

  • Restlessness and agitation

  • Increased anxiety or panic

  • Poor appetite or increased appetite

  • Decrease in motivation or interest

  • Increase in eating

  • Irritability or mood swings

  • Feeling overwhelmed by light, heat, or social pressure

  • Isolating more from others

Some Common Causes or Triggers for Summer-SAD

Medical Conditions: Some individuals may experience heat intolerance or sensitivity to the sun and/or heat due to certain medications and underlying medical conditions. Making them want to avoid more time outdoors or not enjoying their time outdoors.

Temperature/Longer Days: Some people simply do not enjoy the warmer weather and longer days with sunshine. For others, they may find the longer days impacting their sleep hygiene and struggle to sleep regularly or get enough sleep.

Expectations: For some individuals, the Summer months may bring on some expectations about how they feel their time should be spent based on comparison to others. The same goes for body image.

Change in Routines: For some, Summer equals more downtime or changes in routines, with their children being home more frequently or support symptoms being on vacation more frequently.

Treatment for Summer-SAD

If summer affects your mental health, you deserve care and support. Effective treatment options include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT can help you identify and challenge seasonal thinking patterns, manage anxious thoughts, and improve sleep.

 Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

For those dealing with emotional reactivity or identity-based struggles, DBT and ACT help build mindfulness, emotion regulation, and self-acceptance skills.

 Medication

Some individuals may benefit from antidepressants during their high-symptom months. A psychiatrist or medical provider can help you explore this option.

 Lifestyle Strategies

Maintaining a consistent sleep routine, using blackout curtains, setting boundaries around social events, finding/attending indoor activities, and staying hydrated can all help manage symptoms.

Reference:

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

This article addresses topics of depression, anxiety, DBT, ACT, CBT, Seasonal Affective Disorder
Danielle Jennings
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