Summer pattern Seasonal Affective Disorder

Most people are familiar with the winter type of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) where shorter days and less sunlight lead to depressive symptoms. What isn't as widely known is that around 10% of people with SAD experience it in the summer instead of the winter, so if you find yourself feeling flat at this time of year there might be an actual medical explanation for it.

While I don't know that I would call my current mood Seasonal Affective Disorder, I know that during the summer I feel a bit meh, much like I do during the winter when it's overcast and snowy so regularly. 

Symptoms tend to be somewhat the opposite of winter SAD, with things like insomnia or trouble sleeping (vs. excessive sleepiness), a loss of appetite and weight loss (vs. increased appetite and cravings), agitation or restlessness (vs. sluggishness).

The triggers can be obvious things like heat and humidity (some people are very sensitive to high temperatures), through to things like disrupted routines (vacations, kids out of school), body image stress tied to "summer culture" (e.g. having to wear swimwear and that bringing about some discomfort), and longer days interfering with sleep.

With the summer already feeling so hot, and many of us relegated to being indoors for most of the day to stay cool, be sure you're doing what you can to support your mental health!