Have you been feeling down lately due to the heat? You’re not alone. While winter is commonly associated with low mood and depression, summertime can also bring about the blues, especially for those experiencing a form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that occurs during the warmer months. This summer variant of SAD is less studied and understood compared to its winter counterpart, making it important to shed light on this issue.
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, was first coined by psychiatrists Thomas Wehr and Norman Rosenthal in the early 1980s based on their research into cyclical winter depression. Surprisingly, they received letters from individuals who experienced depression in the summer and improved mood in winter. Further research led them to identify a group of people who displayed recurrent depressive episodes in the summertime, showcasing symptoms different from those experiencing winter SAD.
While the prevalence of summer SAD remains unclear, it is believed to be more common in warmer and more humid locations with limited access to air-conditioning. Studies have linked high outside temperatures to mood and mental health crises, highlighting the need for more research on the effects of hot weather on mental well-being.
Unlike winter SAD, which is often treated with light therapy due to reduced sunlight exposure, the triggers for summer SAD are thought to be heat and humidity. Researchers have found that heat can affect mood disorders and behavior, leading to increased aggression, violent crimes, and psychiatric emergency room visits during hotter days and summertime.
Understanding the relationship between temperature and mental health could help uncover the mechanisms behind depression and improve treatments. Experts warn that climate change is likely to exacerbate the mental health risks associated with hot weather, making it crucial to find effective solutions for summer SAD.
While treatments for summer depression are still being studied, some potential solutions include lowering body temperature through air-conditioning, cold showers, or swimming sessions. Exposure to high heat via saunas and hot tubs may also offer relief for those with summer SAD. It is essential to track mood and comfort levels throughout the summer season to identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to improve mental well-being.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or having thoughts of suicide, help is available. You can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or use the online Lifeline Chat for support. Remember to prioritize your mental health and seek assistance when needed to ensure a healthier and happier summer season.
