Insomnia and feeling anxious… the 9 signs you’re suffering summertime SAD
WITH its longer evenings and school holidays, summer is usually a warm relief to many.
But not everyone gets excited for this time of year and for some people it can actually make them feel pretty depressed.
You've probably heard of seasonal affective disorder - or SAD - a type of depression that is experienced at different times of the year.
Most people tend to associate it with winter when the days start getting colder and shorter.
But it can be just as common in reverse when the onset of summer can trigger depression symptoms.
Experts aren't completely sure as to what causes it, but it's thought the longer days and heat can play a part.
No routine
Another factor could be that schedules get disrupted in summer and a lack of routine can make some people feel more stressed, according to Prof Ian Cook, director of the Depression Research Programme at the University of California.
He explained that for parents with children of school age it can be quite stressful trying to keep them occupied all day during the holidays.
While holidays in general can disrupt your work, sleep and eating habits - all factors that can contribute to summer depression, he says.
Body worries
The hot weather can make some feel more self-conscious about their bodies as people strip off to feel cool, says Prof Cook.
With summertime gatherings revolving around beaches, pools or parks, many will find themselves avoiding social situations out of embarrassment.
Others can find the heat in general pretty oppressive and prefer to spend time indoors in the shade - either in front of a fan or sweating it out in private.
This in turn can lead to skipping a workout because it's too hot, or relying on unhealthy takeaways because the kitchen is boiling.
Neglecting exercise and eating badly can also contribute towards depression.
Financial woes
If you're a working parent that needs to find childcare or ways to keep your kids occupied then summers can end up getting expensive.
There's also holidays and sometimes weddings or other social events to pay for during this time of year.
Forking out for these big events can leave people out of pocket and feeling depressed, according to Prof Cook.
What are the signs?
The signs and symptoms of SAD are different from person to person, but according to the charity Minds they can include:
- lack of energy
- finding it hard to concentrate
- not wanting to see people
- sleep problems, such as sleeping more or less than usual, difficulty waking up, or difficulty falling or staying asleep
- feeling sad, low, tearful, guilty, anxious or hopeless
- changes in your appetite, for example feeling more hungry or wanting more snacks
- being more prone to physical health problems, such as colds, infections or other illnesses
- losing interest in sex or physical contact
- suicidal feelings
It comes after actress Mara Wilson, best known for her roles in Matilda and Mrs Doubtfire, revealed she experienced SAD.
In response to a tweet about being depressed in the summer, she said: "This is why I didn’t like being a kid growing up in LA.
"I was miserable so much of the time and I felt like I was being mocked by the weather.
"Then I moved to the northeast and learned about seasonal affective disorder, LOL".
Others have also taken to Twitter to talk about summertime sadness.
One social media user said: "When people talk about seasonal affective disorder they always talk about how winter makes you depressed because there’s no sun, and I agree, I feel that way too. But I also get hella anxious in the summer.
"There’s just so much pressure to always be doing something and to always be surrounded by people, and I have this huge anxiety that I’m not getting the most out of this brief period of warmth because I’m not at a bbq or a beach party or a bonfire or whatever else."
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If you think you are suffering from SAD and you are struggling to cope you should seek advice from your GP.
The GP is likely to recommend a number of treatment options including:
- Getting as much sunlight as possible
- Exercising regularly
- Managing stress levels
- Light therapy - with a special light box that simulates sunlight
- Counselling and other talking therapies
- Anti-depression medication
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