Seasons bring a lot of change to nature—whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter. Nature and animals alike undergo many transitions: fallen leaves, hibernation, blooming flowers, and extra sunshine. Like nature, we humans are also influenced by seasonal changes, which affect our energy, mood, and behavior more than we realize.
When it comes to mental health and seasonal changes, many people often think of winter blues—shorter days, colder nights, lack of vitamin D, and how these factors can result in depression, known as winter Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, despite the longer sunny days and warmer weather, millions of people experience summer SAD.
People with mental health disorders, like bipolar disorder, or those living in areas where seasonal changes are more apparent, are more likely to experience seasonal affective disorders. While winter SAD is more common, summer SAD still affects many people for various reasons.
For example, summer schedule changes can disrupt a person’s routine, making it difficult to find a sense of normalcy. For many, more sunlight might sound like a good thing, but for some, longer days mess with sleep cycles. Additionally, summer is often packed with social events, which usually means more drinking and constant social stimulation. These activities can easily result in social pressure and anxiety.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you might be experiencing summer SAD. Here are other common signs of seasonal depression to look out for:
- Changes in mood, including increased depression, anxiety, or stress
- Feeling unmotivated, low energy, or fatigued
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Physical symptoms like aches, cramps, or headaches
- Increased irritability or anger
- Changes in sleep patterns or eating habits
- Feeling socially drained or avoiding social situations
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, talk to a psychologist. They will be able to walk you through an appointment to determine the severity, duration, and possible causes of your symptoms and help you find a treatment that offers relief. If you are diagnosed with summer or winter SAD, there are effective treatments available, such as red-light therapy, psychotherapy, antidepressants, vitamin D supplements, and ketamine therapy.
Contact Vitalitas Denver
If you are struggling with your mental health, reach out to our team of physicians at Vitalitas Denver today. We can help identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan that will provide relief, allowing you to enjoy the summer months alongside everyone else. Reach out today to learn more.
