SAD Springtime Depression?

This less common form affects a million Americans

Now that spring has sprung, most people have moved past the winter blues. However, if you’re still feeling sadness despite increased sunlight, you may be struggling with spring depression or “summer” SAD.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) occurs when seasons change.

During the winter months we have shorter days and less sunlight which is a major contributor to “winter” seasonal affective disorder. For most people, symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter. However, SAD can also occur during the transition from spring to summer. Some people experience a similar phenomenon during spring and summer, often referred to as “summer SAD” or “springtime depression.” While less common than winter SAD, it’s still a recognized condition.

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), nearly 13 million people suffer from SAD. Experts estimate that of those 13 million about 10 percent feel this reverse seasonal depression starting in the spring and stretching into the summer. More than a million US adults suffer from springtime depression where feelings of sadness and lack of motivation start as winter ends and lasts until summer.

The symptoms of summer SAD can differ from those of winter SAD. Instead of increased sleep and carbohydrate cravings, people with summer SAD may experience:

1. Insomnia or disturbed sleep: Longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures can disrupt sleep patterns.
2. Loss of appetite: Heat can suppress appetite, leading to weight loss or poor nutrition.
3. Agitation or anxiety: Heat and humidity can exacerbate feelings of restlessness or irritability.
4. Difficulty concentrating: Higher temperatures and increased daylight can make it harder to focus.
5. Social withdrawal: Feeling uncomfortable in social situations due to heat sensitivity or body image concerns.
6. Worsening of existing conditions: Conditions like anxiety or bipolar disorder may worsen during summer.

According to a Psycom dot net: Laurie Saloman / Medical Reviewer Denise Miles, PsyD

Acknowledge the change.

Work on normalizing the fact that change is hard. “Our bodies don’t like transition,” Butler said. “Even good change is stressful.” Moving to a new city and starting a new job, for example, are opportunities many people desire–yet getting used to unfamiliar surroundings can be difficult. Give yourself a break when you’re feeling frazzled by the change of scenery and environment that spring brings.

Remember that life is cyclical.

We have good days and bad ones; good weeks and bad ones. Just because you feel depressed now that spring has arrived does not mean the feeling necessarily will continue all through the season. You’ve weathered hard times before and come through them.

Lean into spring’s bounty by getting outside.

“There have been so many studies that show the importance of natural light, especially in the morning, and being out in nature,” Butler said. You may have to force yourself to leave the house, but focus on the longer-term payoff: the likelihood that you will feel better afterward.

Try light therapy.

A light therapy lamp or lightbox is designed to be used every morning to mimic the effects of the sun. If you can’t get outside to catch some rays, using this device for 30 minutes or more every morning can help banish the blues.

Get professional help.