Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a temporary mental condition where people feel sad or depressed because of the season and weather. It’s most common during colder winter months. There is less sunshine, vitamin D levels can plummet, and it can be hard to be motivated and upbeat. Winter isn’t the only time that SAD can be a problem for some. While in the winter, SAD can slow people down, it’s different when it happens in the summer months.
Those who experience SAD during the summer, the symptoms are usually anxiety, agitation, irritability, reduced appetite and trouble sleeping. Very often there are routine changes in summer; school is out, vacations happen, and this upsets regular schedules and can be stressful. In families with children, parents must adjust and find childcare or other activities for kids who were in school and are now at home. Vacations and summer camp fees can cause financial worries. Finally, it is still about sunlight. Longer days can impact melatonin production because the body is used to be awake in daylight and there is more of it in the summer.
