Summer Depression? Summer is supposed to be a time of fun and relaxation, but for some people, it can trigger a form of depression known as summer depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). While SAD is commonly associated with the winter months, about 10% of people with the condition experience symptoms during the summer, according to Dr. Ian A. Cook, the director of the Depression Research Program at UCLA. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for summer depression.
What is Summer Depression?
Summer depression, also known as summer SAD, is a type of depression that occurs during the summer months. While the exact cause of summer depression is unknown, experts believe that factors such as increased heat and humidity, disrupted schedules, body image issues, and financial worries can all contribute to the condition.
Summertime SAD
For some people, summer depression has a biological cause, similar to details SAD in the winter. SAD affects about 4% to 6% of the U.S. population, causing depression as the days get shorter and colder. However, about 10% of people with SAD experience the opposite effect, with the onset of summer triggering their depression symptoms. Some studies have more shown that in countries near the equator, such as India, summer SAD is more common than winter details SAD.
Disrupted Schedules in Summer
One of the main causes of summer depression is the disruption of our regular schedules. During the summer months, routines tend to go out the window. For parents with school-aged children, the prospect of keeping them occupied all day, every day can be stressful. For those with college-aged children, they may suddenly find them back in the house with all their boxes of stuff after a nine-month absence. Vacations can also disrupt our work, sleep, and eating habits. All of these changes can be a significant contributing factor to summer depression.