Keeping the Summer Blues at Bay: My Experience with Seasonal Affective Disorder
Summer is often associated with sunshine, beach outings, and outdoor activities. However, the summer months can be anything but enjoyable for individuals experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). As the iconic song from the movie "Grease" goes, "Summer lovin', had me a blast," but for those with Summer SAD, the heat and humidity can trigger feelings of depression, anxiety, and irritability.
Summer should be a time of fun in the sun, but for me, it's always been a struggle. I suffer from SAD, a type of depression that typically affects people during winter. I remember hearing about people who suffer from Winter SAD and never understanding because I feel most alive in the winter months. It wasn’t until I turned 40 that I found out that SAD can affect people during the warmer months as well, and that’s when things started to make more sense. I spoke with my primary care physician and was diagnosed with Summer SAD. I asked Ms.Medicine if I could share my story to help others who are struggling with Summer SAD and may not realize it.
The symptoms of Summer SAD can be similar to those of Winter SAD. The most noticeable symptom for me was a lack of energy and motivation. I struggled to get out of bed in the morning and to focus on work and other tasks throughout the day. I also experienced a loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping, worsening my lack of energy. As someone already heat and light-sensitive, the heat and sun become unbearable. This was such a tough adjustment because I love being outside in nature. I would try to get up early and go for a walk, but even that became too much of a challenge. I felt trapped in my body, unable to enjoy the things that used to bring me joy.
While this was my experience, symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Common symptoms of Summer SAD, can include:
Anxiety and restlessness
Irritability and mood swings
Increased sensitivity to heat and sunlight
Weight gain due to comfort eating
Social withdrawal and isolation
Over the years, I've learned some tips and strategies for coping with Summer SAD. First and foremost, I make sure to take care of myself. That means getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated. I also prioritize exercise, which has been a game-changer for me. Yoga and fitness games on my Nintendo Switch are great activities for the summer because they're low-impact and help me stay cool.
Another thing that's helped me is talking to a therapist. I used to feel ashamed about my depression, but therapy has given me a safe space to explore and work through my feelings. It's also helped me develop coping mechanisms that I can use when feeling down.
I've learned to be gentle with myself. It's okay to take a break and rest when I need to. I used to beat myself up for being unable to keep up with everyone else, but now I understand that my mental health comes first.
Today, I am grateful for the support and guidance of my Ms.Medicine provider throughout this journey. Her expertise and compassionate care have been invaluable in helping me manage the challenges of this condition. To anyone struggling with Summer SAD or any mental health issue, I encourage you to seek help and prioritize your well-being. With the right treatment, self-care, and support, it is possible to overcome the challenges of Summer SAD and live a fulfilling life.
