Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Summer
For several years, a friend has told me that she notices significant mood changes in the summer.
Summertime SAD is a growing problem that people are reporting to their healthcare providers. We associate SAD with the winter, but it has become a counterpoint to the summer for some. SAD is triggered by higher temperatures, longer days and extreme humidity. Some may have lower melatonin levels according to research. Melatonin is a hormone that impacts the sleep-wake cycle.
Summer’s high temperatures and humidity can induce physiological changes in the body such as increased heart rate, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. These factors may contribute to fatigue, irritability and mood swings. Additionally, heightened pollen levels can exacerbate allergies and asthma, which contributes to exhaustion and mood changes.
Seasonal changes disrupt the routine of certain occupations, for instance school employees who have less structure in the summer months. Even minor schedule changes can impact mental health. For office workers, staff vacations and requests for time off can add more to the workload. Families experience change emotionally and financially when childcare must be arranged as kids are off from school.
High summer temperatures disrupt sleep patterns. For instance, extended daylight can throw off sleeping schedules leading to heightened stress levels, irritability and mood fluctuation. Moreover, sleep issues contribute to fatigue, impaired cognitive function and weakened immune response.
Other triggers include physical reactions to heat, sensory sensitivities to light, color, and noise. Additional triggers could include longer daylight patterns, seasonal allergies, chemical changes in the brain and disruptions to the circadian rhythm.
Engaging in heat-safe activities indoors and drinking plenty of water while reducing alcohol and caffeine intake will positively impact health.
Despite these challenges, summer can bring opportunities for rest, rejuvenation and promote overall well-being. Try to prioritize self-care to make the most of the summer season.
Kay Gimmestad, LCSW-C is a business coach and clinician in New York City with 20 years of experience working in the profit and not for profit sectors of Human Resources, Health and Human Services. She has built a reputation for being highly skilled in facilitating behavior change while working with employees, both individually and in groups, on matters relating to performance management, substance abuse, crisis intervention, and stress/wellness.
