Lana Del Rey's song "Summertime Sadness" hits different when you're actually experiencing sadness in the summer. Most of us understand that darker and shorter days, colder weather, and less 'outdoor' time could lead to decreased mental health and symptoms of depression. However, when these feelings start to come on during the warmer months, many of us fail to recognize that what we could be experiencing are the same symptoms from the wintertime, just in the sun instead of the snow.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, is a type of depression that occurs at the same time each year, usually during the winter months. SAD is characterized by a persistent low mood, fatigue, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. People with SAD may also experience anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness. SAD tends to affect about 4-6% of the US population.
The exact cause of SAD is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including changes in the amount of sunlight exposure, changes in the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, and genetic factors.
SAD is most common in people who live in northern latitudes, where there is less sunlight during the winter months. However, it can occur in people who live in any climate.
What are the signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder in the winter?
Here are some of the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder:
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is typically associated with the winter months, but there is a condition called "reverse SAD", also known as summer SAD, that can happen during the summer months. Moreover, it can happen to more people during the summer than in the winter, up to 10% of people experience their symptoms in reverse.
Reverse SAD is characterized by the same symptoms as SAD, but they occur during the summer instead of the winter. The exact cause of reverse SAD is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including:
While we can't prevent everything that could make us feel sad or depressed during the summer, it’s important we understand there are steps we can take to combat some of the symptoms of depression that could make things worse. While professional intervention is always recommended when how you're feeling, thinking, or behaving is causing you significant life stress, you also deserve to have your own health in your own hands.
Please consult your medical doctor or other licensed health-care professional to determine your personal health risk as it relates to seasonal affective disorder during the summer months.
Thanks for reading and see you in a couple of weeks! If you haven't checked out this week's other article titled "US Task Force Recommends Anxiety Screening for ALL Adults. But, Why?", read it now to find out why!
Thanks for reading and remember: You're a human first, your unconscious is showing, and I'm so glad that you exist.
Written by Dr. Courtney Tracy, LCSW, PsyD
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