For some people, however, the sunnier seasons bring an emotional struggle. This lesser-known \u2015 and often overlooked \u2015 condition is called \u201creverse SAD\u201d or summer-pattern SAD.<\/p>\n
What is reverse SAD?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cReverse seasonal affective disorder, or summer-pattern SAD, is a type of depression that occurs during the spring and summer months, as opposed to the more common winter-pattern SAD,\u201d said board-certified psychiatrist and \u201cPractical Optimism\u201d<\/a> author Dr. Sue Varma<\/a>. \u201cWhile most people associate SAD with the colder, darker months, some individuals experience a worsening of mood when the days get longer and brighter.\u201d<\/p>\n A number of different factors can cause reverse SAD. <\/p>\n \u201cReverse SAD is thought to affect individuals who are particularly sensitive to circadian rhythm changes,\u201d Moore said. \u201cPhysiological factors include discomfort from increased heat and humidity and sleep disruption caused by early sunrise.\u201d<\/p>\n Changes in light exposure can throw off mood-regulating hormones like serotonin and melatonin in the summer, just as in the winter.<\/p>\n \u201cPsychological factors include internal pressure to be happy during this time of year,\u201d Moore said.<\/p>\n \u201cSummer comes with expectations to be outdoors, attend barbecues, take vacations, and generally be \u2018on.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n – Erin Pash, licensed marriage and family therapist<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The summer can be particularly tough for introverts, since social conventions call for increased participation in potentially energy-depleting activities in the summer.<\/p>\n \u201cOther triggers may include summer stressors like vacation costs, childcare pressures, or problems with body image that are enhanced by our summer wardrobes,\u201d said Dr. Samar McCutcheon<\/a>, a psychiatrist with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.<\/p>\n Summer tends to disrupt routines, which is especially challenging for parents.<\/p>\n \u201cEverything feels a little less structured with kids out of school, parents shuttling children around summer camps, more workload because coworkers are on vacation and pushing off work later at night to accommodate summer day time schedules,\u201d said Mabel Yiu, a marriage and family therapist and founding director of Women\u2019s Therapy Institute<\/a>. \u201cFor people who rely on routine to feel stable, that lack of consistency can be destabilizing.\u201d<\/p>\n What are the signs of reverse SAD?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe symptoms of reverse SAD can differ slightly from winter-pattern SAD,\u201d Varma said. \u201cPeople should look out for insomnia or trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, irritability or mood swings.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s common for those with this condition to feel extra pressure, which leads to a challenging disconnect. <\/p>\n \u201cWhen you\u2019re not feeling great but feel like you should be, it can lead to guilt, shame, and isolation, which only worsens mental health,\u201d Yiu said.<\/p>\n Although the warm weather months are typically associated with more occasions to socialize, people struggling with reverse SAD may engage in social withdrawal. <\/p>\n \u201cSummer comes with expectations to be outdoors, attend barbecues, take vacations, and generally be \u2018on,\u2019\u201d said Erin Pash, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Pash Co<\/a>. \u201cFor someone already struggling, these expectations can feel like a heavy weight.\u201d<\/p>\n She recalled a past client who expressed feeling guilty for wanting to stay inside in the air conditioning while it seemed like everyone else was at the beach. They felt as though something was wrong with them for not loving the summertime. <\/p>\n Yuliya Taba via Getty Images<\/p>\n Reverse SAD can lead to social withdrawal, restlessness, irritability, loss of appetite and more. <\/p>\n \u201cYou might notice you\u2019re snappier with family members, avoiding social gatherings you\u2019d normally enjoy or feeling physically uncomfortable even in mildly warm weather,\u201d Pash added.<\/p>\n In addition to social withdrawal, restlessness and overwhelm are typical signs of the condition.<\/p>\n \u201cThe intense sunlight that energizes others can feel overwhelming, like sensory overload that leaves you agitated rather than refreshed,\u201d Pash said. <\/p>\n Many people with reverse SAD report feeling overstimulated and anxious. But ultimately, the biggest sign is timing. Pay attention to patterns in your depression symptoms year over year. <\/p>\n \u201cIf you notice that around spring or summer time you experience these signs of reverse SAD, you should speak to your doctor or therapist about your symptoms,\u201d Moore noted. \u201cBecause it\u2019s not a well-documented condition, you may need to advocate for yourself in medical environments and seek a mood disorder specialist who has experience treating patients with this issue.\u201d<\/p>\n How can people treat\/manage reverse SAD? <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cBecause it is not a well-known mood disorder, the first step in treating and managing reverse SAD is recognizing that you struggle with it,\u201d Moore said. \u201cAlthough reverse SAD is rare, you are not alone. Awareness around this condition is increasing.\u201d<\/p>\n Take steps to create an environment at home that will support your mental health in the summer. <\/p>\n \u201cUse air conditioning or fans to maintain a comfortable temperature,\u201d Varma advised. \u201cHeat intolerance is a big trigger. And while bright light can be helpful in the winter, those with reverse SAD may benefit from limiting light during certain times of day, especially in the evening.\u201d<\/p>\n Avoid excessive light exposure to promote good sleep as well. <\/p>\n \u201cUse blackout curtains or eye masks if there\u2019s still light,\u201d Yiu suggested. \u201cMinimize blue light screen time and have deliberate dim hours before bed.\u201d<\/p>\n Think about lifestyle factors that can affect your mood, and take care of yourself with good nutrition, regular exercise and breaks to rest and recharge. <\/p>\n \u201cPrioritize being proactive about your wellbeing \u2015 nourish your body with healthy food and remember to hydrate and replenish your body,\u201d suggested Rachel Thomasian, a licensed therapist and owner of Playa Vista Counseling<\/a>. \u201cStart or maintain a yoga or meditation routine to help manage feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.\u201d<\/p>\n Be mindful about your schedule and how you divide your time as well. <\/p>\n \u201cFind indoor activities during the day to avoid being outside at the peak of heat or humidity,\u201d McCutcheon said. \u201cIt can be especially helpful if these activities involve your friends or family, to further prevent depressive symptoms.\u201d<\/p>\n She also recommended taking vacations to cooler climates during the summer.<\/p>\n \u201cGive yourself permission to have a different kind of summer,\u201d Pash said. \u201cMaybe your ideal July evening is a movie night with the AC cranked up, not a rooftop party. That\u2019s completely valid. And if you know summer is tough, plan easier months around it. Maybe you schedule your big work projects for fall and keep summer commitments lighter.\u201d<\/p>\n The same goes for social commitments. If you find endless summer barbecues too draining, you don\u2019t have to say yes to every invitation. <\/p>\n \u201cLet friends and family know that you experience summer differently,\u201d Pash said. \u201cA simple \u2018I\u2019m more of a fall person, but I\u2019d love to hang out somewhere air-conditioned\u2019 can go a long way.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to leaning on loved ones for support, consider seeking professional help.<\/p>\n \u201cFor treatment interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy can be a helpful place to start to treat mild or moderate symptoms, and antidepressants should be considered when someone is experiencing moderate to severe symptoms,\u201d McCutcheon noted. <\/p>\n 20 Years Of Free JournalismYour Support Fuels Our MissionYour Support Fuels Our Mission<\/p>\n For two decades, HuffPost has been fearless, unflinching, and relentless in pursuit of the truth. \n
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