Sun’s Out, I’m Bummed Out: Why summer isn’t a friend to all
April showers bring May flowers! Spring fever is here! We’ve heard it all before. The cold and cloudy days begin to give way to the warmth of the sun as summer approaches. Most spend their last few days of having their head in the clouds fantasizing about hot beach days, exciting trips, and cooling off in the pool with a chilled drink. Yet this anticipation for warm months ahead is not shared by all.
Most of society is now aware of the scientific diagnosis for “winter blues.” An estimated 5 percent of the US population experience seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). When the cold begins to set in, so do the symptoms of lack of motivation, loss of interest, self-doubt, and extreme feelings of guilt; however, about one percent of those who experience SAD suffer from the polar opposite.
Reverse seasonal affective disorder, or Summer-SAD, is the esoteric culprit behind a handful of all SAD cases. This disorder is highly under-studied, under-documented, and usually goes unnoticed. This is likely due to the fact that many suffering from this condition are simply not aware of it. Andi Bergeson, a junior studying astrophysics at University of Washington, described her typical summer being filled with increased anxiety, a disinterest and disability to function throughout the day, with a solution of simply sleeping away all the discomfort. She commented on one of the factors that make this disorder so difficult to deal with when undetected — family. “I definitely found it difficult to explain to my parents when I was younger that I didn’t want to do anything, was hesitant to go on family vacations, etc. and I wasn’t sure why.” Most do not recognize that their reoccurring symptoms are a pattern of seasonal depression, and instead brush them off as a mood. In addition to the usual symptoms of depression, Summer-SAD is also accompanied by symptoms not seen in Winter-SAD. These include weight loss, manic behavior, anhedonia, and higher levels of anxiety, along with various others.
This disorder is highly under-studied, under-documented, and usually goes unnoticed.
The causes behind this disorder have yet to be definitively pinpointed. SAD’s link to major depressive disorder suggests a genetic component is present. Several studies on Winter-SAD follow cases where entire families are affected, and recent publications show a history of disease in families with depression and bipolar disorder. Genetics can also render one unable to endure heat and sun as much as the average person, along with causing heightened sensitivity to allergens related to the summer months. Another suggested theory relates to neurotransmitter modulation and neuroanatomy. Retinal sensitivity has been thought to play a role. The suprachiasmatic nucleus is a structure activated by light exposure, so a dramatic increase of light could cause an overactive suprachiasmatic nucleus. Another structure is the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), which is home base for serotonergic neurons. Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter in regards to depression and numerous other neuropsychiatric disorders. Perhaps there is some sort of dysfunction involving the DRN’s ability to regulate serotonin, therefore causing this seasonal depression. Research in recent years has found a strong relationship between serotonin and its ability to inhibit our sleep-wake cycle, also known as our Circadian Rhythm — specifically our REM-sleep. Considering the anxiety and disturbed sleeping pattern induced by reverse seasonal affective disorder, this is a likely hypothesis that scientists hopefully address further.
“I had no idea there was an actual diagnosis […]”
The inadequate supply of scientific literature on Summer-SAD is astounding. Lacking information, case studies, and research means that the average psychiatrist has limited diagnosing criteria, but Bergeson experiences the symptoms daily. Even the most common criteria for diagnosing patients — the fifth edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) — has as a very small classification for reverse seasonal affective disorder and subsequently, the public is hardly ever exposed to the other side of this disorder, as Bergeson herself experienced. She proclaimed, “I had no idea there was an actual diagnosis! I assumed every summer sucked…”
Bergeson described the process of finally realizing that something was off. “It was clear to me once I moved to Seattle [from Los Angeles, California] and the seasons changed in more extreme ways that I’m heavily affected by the weather getting warmer,” she said. Her experience highlights the need for more recognition of reverse seasonal affective disorder, and enforces the idea that treatment and a strong support system can make all the difference.
It is remarkably important to keep a look out for symptoms in friends and family. It can make a significant difference in someone’s life if a person close to them is able to shed light on a possible issue.
It is remarkably important to keep a look out for symptoms in friends and family. It can make a significant difference in someone’s life if a person close to them is able to shed light on a possible issue. Being aware of this shadowy disorder and nudging a friend to seek guidance is one way to bring awareness to Summer-SAD. Recognizing symptoms in another or oneself may prompt personal research, a psychologist appointment, and then treatment and eventually better quality of life. Treatment for reverse seasonal affective disorder varies from patient to patient, as it does for all disorders. The most common involve therapy and medication. Additional ways to deal with this involve making slight lifestyle modifications. Staying cool and limiting harsh sun and heat exposure can reduce agitation and anxiety, while exercise and therapy, journaling, or meditation also helps promote the regions of the brain responsible for regulating serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin. Summertime sadness is very real, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. As Bergeson discovered, awareness and answers come with the relief of understanding and knowing that help is there for her. This disorder shouldn’t be kept in the dark any longer.
