Sunburn can also be accompanied by weakness! Summer, bright and hot in our hemisphere, is likely to trigger symptoms of seasonal depression, just like winter, according to several studies on the subject.
What is seasonal depression?
Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder, is a mood disorder in which depression occurs at the same time each year. Generally, it is more common during the fall or early winter, when the lack of light is felt. But it seems that consultations for depression peak in summer.
An investigation published in an article by JAMA Psychiatry found that emergency department visits were generally 8% higher on hot days compared to cooler summer days and that there was an association between high ambient temperature and emergency department visits for mental health concerns (stress, anxiety, schizophrenia, substance use disorders…).
A climate too hot to feel good?
A 2023 study also found that sunlight and the body clock (or circadian rhythm) can be disrupted during seasonal changes, interfering with our brain chemistry, like serotonin production linked to depression symptoms.
Light is therefore essential, and is not lacking in summer. But other factors come into play, too: Mental health organization People USA, noted that too much sun, excessive heat and humidity, and personal views on body image can contribute to depression.
“It is clear that extreme heat can also worsen agitation; however, there are too many human factors that need to be studied to be able to demonstrate that extreme heat is the primary contributor to seasonal affective disorder.”its CEO told Healthline magazine.
Climate change could also be a significant risk factor for the onset of various mental health problems such as depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder… A change that we are more aware of… in summer.
Different symptoms of winter depression
Whatever the season, seasonal depression brings its share of irritability, sadness, mood changes, difficulty concentrating or anxiety. However, summer depression is somewhat different.
With winter depression, people experience an increased appetite, craving for carbohydrates, weight gain, and hypersomnia. With summer depression, people are more likely to experience loss of appetite and insomnia, as well as aggression.
How to get out of summer depression?
According to the professionals interviewed by the magazine, combating summer seasonal depression relies above all on healthy measures to adopt for yourself and your mental health:
- Accept your situation and try to identify what makes you sad;
- Limit exposure to natural daylight when it is too hot, and stay cool with air conditioning, especially at night;
- Maintain calm activities;
- Keep an appropriate sleep schedule and do not overuse naps which disrupt the night;
- Maintain physical activity;
- Eat healthily;
- Try holistic approaches (aromatherapy, meditation, etc.);
- Speak with a mental health professional if you feel the need.