The change of season is upon us; our social media platforms can become swamped with feel-good spring content that should excite us for the upcoming sunny weather. But for many, it’s just not the case. While this type of content and the thought of basking in the sun should bring on a positive thought, it can do the opposite for some. This type of depression is often called Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs with the change of season, persisting for up to 4 to 6 months at a time, and is mostly thought of only occurring in winter. SAD can also affect people in summer, known as Summer SAD.
Summer SAD may be linked to elongated days, heat, and humidity, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), but whether that’s true is yet to be determined. Understanding the triggers and managing the symptoms effectively is key to improving mental health during these times.
Symptoms of SAD
Winter and summer SAD can manifest in similar ways. But, the main difference between the two forms of SAD – according to WayAhead – is that winter SAD is typically reflective of symptoms like depression and less motivation. With Summer SAD, symptoms uniquely appear as anxiety and sleeplessness.
According to Health Direct, someone suffering from winter SAD may experience symptoms like:
- Low mood.
- Increased sleep and fatigue.
- Little energy.
- Desire sugary foods and carbohydrates.
- Experience weight gain.
- Lack of interest and motivation in day-to-day activities.
In Summer SAD, there are some additional symptoms to be aware of, including:
- Feeling agitated.
- Heightened anxiety.
- Low mood.
- Insomnia or issues sleeping.
- Weight loss.
- Little motivation.
Managing SAD
Winter SAD can be managed with interventions like light therapy, time spent outdoors, and vitamin D supplementation. In more serious cases, psychological therapies may be necessary, and medication may be considered.
Summer SAD can be managed in a similar way, with a focus more on managing symptoms related to anxiety and sleep disturbances. CAMH recommends the following strategies:
- Engaging in talk therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Maintaining social connections to reduce isolation
- Establishing a healthy sleep routine
- Regular physical activity
- Adopting a balanced diet to support overall wellbeing
Don’t Resist Help; Converge is Here to Support You!
If you’re struggling with symptoms of winter or summer SAD, it’s crucial to seek support. The earlier you start engaging in appropriate help, the less of an impact SAD will have on your life.
At Converge, we offer support for your mental health and wellbeing, including SAD. Our team of over 2,000 clinical specialists provides services, including counselling, nutritional support, and financial advice. You can book an appointment through our website or app, where you can also access live chat features. Don’t hesitate to reach out—our dedicated professionals are here to support you every step of the way.
