Could you be Facing Summer Depression?

Many of us believe we show signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD when it gets cold and dark outside but did you know some people can experience it in the summer instead?

While most of us feel better when the sun is shining this rare disorder, summer SAD, causes people to sleep less, eat less and lose weight; they can become extremely irritated and agitated too. These symptoms are contrary to winter SAD indicators including over-sleeping, weight gain, craving for carbohydrates and social hibernation. Winter SAD is more prominent as its experienced by 5 percent of the population whereas summer SAD only affects 1 percent of people.

Summer depression was first recognized in 1986 but wasn’t yet linked to SAD,  professionals thought the cause was linked to heat, humidity and that cutting out these conditions would be the cure. Unfortunately, cranking up the air and lowering the lights acts only as a temporary relief that fades once an affected person steps into the heat and light.

Based on patient feedback, professionals are beginning to look into the possibility of a dual depression, one group affected from heat and humidity and one from light. A new type of treatment is developing for the light sensitive sufferers based on regulating sleep-wake cycles. Antidepressants may also be a solution for those affected by summer SAD.

Do you ever feel down in the summer months? Maybe getting a massage could cure the sunshine blues!