Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects nearly 15 million people in the U.S. each year. When most people think of seasonal depression, the cold winter months come to mind. However, 10% of people who suffer from SAD are affected during the summer months, and I think they should not be overlooked. 

Typically, the main reason that winter weather can lead to an onset of depression or anxiety is due to the lack of sun exposure during the colder months. Not only are people inside much more, but the sun sets as early as 4:30 in the afternoon on some days, which makes it even more difficult to get out in the sun. 

So during the warm, sunny, “best time of the year,” what causes SAD? First of all, extreme levels of heat can cause you to feel fatigued and exhausted. Heat can cause the same level of mood changes and seasonal depression as the cold. 

Summer also brings with it a big change in everyone’s daily schedules and routines, especially for high school students. The school year can be very busy with after school activities, homework, and just the school day itself. When summer starts, it feels great to have all the freedom of staying up late, sleeping in, and hanging out with friends. However, for me, this feeling can wear off after just a week or two. I start to get bored and feel like I should be having more fun. This is another cause of SAD during the summer: the pressure to always be having fun.

Misery likes company, and during the winter a lot of people see eye to eye about the cold and dark months of the year. However, during the summer everyone’s at the beach or on vacation having fun and it’s easy to feel sad and alone. Of course, this isn’t true and many people suffer from summer SAD, but the feeling of isolation can be a major stress for those affected. 

The symptoms of SAD during the winter are actually the opposite of those who get it during the summer. For example, during the winter, it might cause you to have an increase of appetite, while during the summer, you might lose your appetite. The cause of onset of depression is different, causing the symptoms to be different.

SAD is more common in women than men, although the reason is unknown. It is also seen more in young adults and those who suffer from other mood disorders such as depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. 

Although there’s no cure for SAD, there are many ways to manage it during the summer. The best way is to keep a consistent schedule the best you can, especially with your sleep schedule. Next, it’s important to balance the amount of time you spend outside in the heat and humidity, it’s important to know your limits. 

Personally, over the summer, I try to keep a balanced schedule with equal amounts of activities to down time. I think it’s important to use summers to recharge for the next school year, but also use that extra time to do things you don’t normally have time to do. 

Lastly, you can always seek help. All kinds of depression or irritability, in regards to anything, should never be left unnoticed. There is always someone out there who is going through what you are, and there are always people who want to listen. 

Editor’s note: All SAD information taken from Cleveland Clinic, health essentials.