Unraveling Summer SAD

We usually associate seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), with the cold, dreary winter months. However, another side of SAD that's lesser-known and potentially more dangerous is Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder, or Summer SAD. Today, we're summarizing and exploring Richard Sima's enlightening article, "Sad in the summer? You may have summer seasonal depression," published in the Washington Post.

SAD is a type of depression that ebbs and flows with the changing of seasons. It typically manifests in the late fall, continuing through winter, and characterizes itself with increased sleep, reduced energy, and mood changes. However, as Sima's article highlights, a smaller but significant group experiences an onset of depressive symptoms in the late spring and early summer, indicating Summer SAD.

This form of SAD is less understood and recognized, possibly due to the general association of summer with positivity, vacations, and outdoor activities. However, as outlined in Sima's article, acknowledging and understanding Summer SAD is critical due to its unique symptoms and potential risks.

In contrast to Winter SAD's symptoms, which include oversleeping, overeating, and weight gain, Summer SAD often manifest as insomnia, reduced appetite, weight loss, restlessness, and anxiety. The sharp contrast between the two forms underscores the complexity of seasonal depression and the importance of accurate diagnosis.

As noted in Sima's article, an alarming aspect of Summer SAD is its higher correlation with suicide. The need for timely identification, intervention, and treatment becomes all the more critical when considering the increased risk accompanying this condition.

A particularly concerning aspect discussed in the article is the potential link between Summer SAD and climate change. As our planet undergoes environmental changes, the psychological impact of these shifts becomes increasingly important to recognize and address.

With increased global temperatures, longer daylight hours, and a higher incidence of heatwaves, those predisposed to Summer SAD may experience worsening symptoms. The potential rise in the prevalence of Summer SAD due to our changing climate adds another dimension to the urgency of addressing global warming.

Sima's article also sheds light on various management strategies for Summer SAD. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a particularly effective treatment strategy. As a cognitive-behavioral therapist, I've seen firsthand how CBT can help patients manage their symptoms by identifying and changing maladaptive thought and behavior patterns that cause emotional distress.

Lifestyle changes are another essential component of managing Summer SAD. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, staying hydrated, seeking out cooler and less bright environments, and maintaining a healthy diet can help manage symptoms.

Pharmaceutical interventions, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be effective for some individuals with Summer SAD. Of course, these should always be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Social support can't be underestimated in managing Summer SAD. Connecting with a supportive community, whether that's friends, family, or a professional mental health network, can significantly contribute to managing this seasonal depression.

Sima's article highlights an important yet under-recognized form of seasonal depression, Summer SAD. As we continue to face global climate changes, the relevance and importance of understanding, diagnosing, and treating Summer SAD will only increase.

As our climate continues to change and our understanding of its impact on mental health evolves, it becomes more critical than ever to pay attention to seasonal symptoms and seek help when needed.

This comprehensive review of Sima's article underscores the significance of Summer SAD. By bringing attention to this less-recognized form of seasonal depression, we hope to facilitate better understanding and encourage those affected to seek professional assistance.

We should remind ourselves and others that experiencing mood changes or symptoms of depression in the summer does not make one an anomaly. It's a recognized, treatable condition and, as with any mental health concern, the bravest thing one can do is seek help. Just as we adjust our lifestyles and habits to accommodate the external changes in our environment, we must also take care of our internal worlds, our minds, and our emotional wellbeing.

By doing so, we cultivate resilience and strengthen our capacity to navigate life's seasonal ebbs and flows. Mental health is not simply a winter concern or a summer concern; it's a perennial concern, deserving of our attention and care year-round.

As we learn more about the complexities of our minds and the diverse manifestations of mental health issues, we become better equipped to support ourselves and others. In spreading awareness of Summer SAD, we take a step forward in eradicating the stigma associated with mental health and open doors to more comprehensive, inclusive support for those grappling with these invisible battles.

Let's continue the conversation about Summer SAD and all facets of mental health. Remember, it's okay not to be okay, even in the 'happy' summer season. With awareness, understanding, and timely interventions, we can navigate the challenges and come out stronger on the other side.

In closing, whether you're a healthcare provider, a patient, or a concerned friend or family member, knowledge is a powerful tool. Stay informed, stay empathetic, and remember to take care of your mental health, because it matters just as much as physical health – in every season.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/07/03/summer-sad-depression-symptoms-causes-treatment/