After what feels like an eternity of a winter, the arrival of some warm and bright weather has cheered most of us up no end. But that’s not the case for everyone; particularly those who suffer from ‘Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)’ – also known as ‘Summer SAD’.
You’re likely familiar with what SAD is: its a depressive disorder related to changes in seasons. It’s most commonly experienced in the winter months, and it makes sense as to why: shorter days, miserable weather, darkness practically all the time. It’s no surprise the depressive atmosphere often manifests itself in people’s moods.
But according to a mental health expert, SAD doesn’t just occur during the cold, dark portion of the year. Isabel Leming, Senior Technician at mental health clinic Smart TMS, explains that a small proportion of people also experience this during the spring and summer months.
‘It is thought that 10% of people who are affected by SAD have reverse SAD,’ she said, noting that it can be more common in (but isn’t exclusive to) people who live in countries located near the equator.
The cause of Reverse SAD isn’t formally understood, but Isabel runs through several factors believed by experts to be potentially responsible for the onset of depression in the spring and summer months:
Longer days
‘It is speculated that the onset of symptoms may be a result of the longer days, with a suggestion that the increase in heat and humidity might also play a role, but there is currently no evidence to support this,’ said Leming.
‘In winter SAD, reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression, and the change in season can disrupt the balance of the body’s level of melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood. As these have been linked to winter SAD, serotonin and melatonin levels are also suggested to be factors in reverse SAD but this has not been confirmed as a cause.’
Feeling unbalanced
‘Along with the longer days and shorter nights, summer also brings a different mood than the other seasons, particularly as other people may be in higher spirits due to the warmer climate and more exposure to the sun. If you have experienced depression, you may be more vulnerable to having a depressive episode,’ noted the expert. ‘In addition, if you begin to feel a sense of imbalance and are not at the same level of happiness as others around you, you may begin to feel guilty and anxious for not sharing the same optimism. This could precipitate reverse SAD.’
Allergies
According to Leming, some experts suggest that allergies may also play a role in impacting people’s moods. ‘It is theorised that some allergens can cause inflammation in the airways and for vulnerable people this could trigger depression,’ she explained. ‘The increase of pollen (one of the most common allergens) in the spring and summer months could be what triggers reverse SAD.’
The symptoms of summer SAD might be quite mild to begin with during spring, but are known to become more severe as the summer season progresses. ‘While winter SAD symptoms focus on low energy symptoms, Reverse SAD symptoms are more centred on agitation and irritability related symptoms,’ Leming told Cosmopolitan UK. Some of these symptoms might include:
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Agitation or anxiety
Currently, there is no treatment for reverse SAD, but Isabel Leming shared some tips that might help someone suffering from symptoms:
Sleep in a darkened room
‘As insomnia is one of the main symptoms of reverse SAD, blocking out as much sunlight when you are trying to sleep could be key to getting a good night’s sleep and letting your body clock know it’s time to sleep.’
Get regular exercise
‘Exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase SAD symptoms. Being more fit can make you feel better about yourself, too, which can lift your mood.’
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
‘TMS is a NICE-approved treatment for depression that modulates brain activity, leading to a reduction in symptoms and it has been shown to treat SAD safely and effectively.’
