Seasonal Depression Isn’t Just For the Winter

It is that time of the year when big changes are happening. The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer and many are looking forward to the summer. While this is the experience of many, it isn’t how everyone feels as the seasons start to shift. 10% of those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) will experience symptoms occurring in the Spring and Summer with symptoms dissipating when Fall hits according to Medline Plus.

Saying Goodbye to Each Season

If you find it difficult to shift to each season, you aren’t alone. Many find it difficult to transition between seasons. If seasonal changes leave you not feeling like yourself or struggling to function as you like, there may be more going on.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depressive disorder experienced by about 5% of Americans every time the seasons change. It can be felt particularly at the beginning and ending of seasons at about the same time every year. More than just feeling down, SAD can cause depressive symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, lasting for several months at a time.

SAD is NOT just related to shortened winter days, it can be experienced during any seasonal change. Michigan Medicine with University of Michigan identifies five triggers to Seasonal Affective Disorder in the summer:

  1. Changes in Schedule: Having a consistent schedule can create a feeling of safety and can help to decrease symptoms of both anxiety and depression. During the summer schedules can change dramatically especially if you are a Teacher or have small children that are now home with you all day.
  2. Travel/Vacations: Getting away is not always relaxing. Heavy travel during the summer can cause stress and anxiety which can contribute to SAD.
  3. Distress: There can be stressful things going on in the summer that you are more exposed to when schedules change. This can include family conflicts, divorce, retirement etc.
  4. Changes in Daylight Patterns: When the days become longer it can impact your natural sleep patterns, throwing you off and causing increased psychological distress.
  5. Increase in Social Events: Summer can be a busy time. There are so many places to go which can include parties. This can increase anxiety related to social situations and can also increase consumption of alcohol which can trigger depressive symptoms.

Caring for Your Emotional Well-being for All Seasons

Thankfully, SAD is treatable. It is important that you reach out for help if you start to notice symptoms. You aren’t alone. A combination of therapy and medication management can often be effective in treating SAD so that you can enjoy every season.

There are many options available to you with Carolina Counseling Services in Cameron, NC. CCS contracts with licensed, caring therapists and psychiatric professionals. You can treat your symptoms from a therapeutic and psychiatric angle.

Providers are in-network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) and many more. Call today to get started!