What is Reverse SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the summer.
The world goes through a cycle of seasonal changes — warming up to hot, then cooling down to cold. Temperature isn’t the only thing to change with the seasons, though.
People’s emotions and mental health are also sometimes known to change with the earth’s natural cycles. These changes in sentiment can be pretty intense and disruptive, though, causing adverse effects on everyday life.
When someone’s life is negatively affected by their emotions, a mental illness usually needs to get assessed. Reverse SAD can often go undiagnosed because people have no history of mental illness or because symptoms seem to shoot out of nowhere.
Read on to learn more about what this seasonal mental disorder is and how it can be triggered.
What is SAD?
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that begins and ends around the exact times every year, corresponding to the seasons’ changing. It usually starts in the fall and lasts throughout winter before symptoms disappear. SAD gets characterized by lowered energy levels and feelings of moodiness.
What is Reverse SAD?
Also known as Summer SAD or summertime sadness, its name speaks for itself. Unlike the more common seasonal mood disorder, SAD, it’s known to start in the springtime lasting throughout the summer.
Who does Reverse SAD affect?
About 4–6% of Americans are affected by seasonal affective disorder. Only about 10% of people affected by the mood disorder have it in reverse.
People who live in the sunny southern hemisphere and closer to the equator get considered to be more prone to reverse SAD due to the higher levels of sunlight exposure.
People with a history of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are also known to carry a higher risk of being affected by seasonal mood changes.
What causes Reverse SAD?
Excessive sunlight
Melatonin is a chemical in the brain that heavily influences the natural sleep/wake cycle in people. Excessive sun exposure can cause the levels of melatonin to change, causing a disruptive sleep pattern. Depression comes very quickly when sleep becomes irregular.
Low self-esteem
Having issues with body image can also be a factor when deciding what causes Reverse SAD. A person who is uncomfortable with their body image is likely to feel more discouraged about their appearance due to wearing more revealing clothing during the hot weather and bathing suits.
Financial stress
Another potential cause of reverse SAD is suffering from financial problems. Summer isn’t always the cheapest of seasons, and many people struggle to find work due to seasonal jobs that only provide steady work in the winter.
Symptoms of Reverse SAD.
Symptoms of reverse SAD are similar to typical SAD and other specific depression symptoms.
The following ones seem to be more defined in people with reverse SAD:
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Trouble concentrating or staying focused.
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
- Agitation.
- Anxiety.
- Loss of interest in usual activities.
How is Reverse SAD diagnosed?
Like regular SAD, reverse SAD gets diagnosed mainly based on when the symptoms start and stop. If there seem to be patterns of signs beginning in the sunnier days, then receding as winter approaches, that is a possible indication of the mood disorder.
The doctor will also run other tests to rule out any other probable cause. They will most likely ask about a family history of mental illness as well.
How is Reverse SAD treated?
It’s always the best idea to seek help from a doctor or mental health professional when experiencing any symptoms of depression.
Treatment can range from light therapy, trying different antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. The doctor will help develop a plan that properly suits the needs and is appropriate for the severity of the symptoms.
Experts recommend keeping in cool, dark places, getting proper sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a well-balanced and nutritional diet.
Overview
Reverse SAD is a less common version of seasonal affective disorder, mainly affecting those that live in the south, where it is sunnier than places up north.
It usually begins in the spring and lasts through summer until it gets colder and less bright. Sleep disturbances mainly cause reverse SAD due to melatonin levels being affected by increased sunlight.
A healthcare professional's proper diagnosis and care can help ease symptoms and create an effective treatment. If ever experiencing symptoms of depression, always reach out and get help when it is needed.
