An Overview of Summertime Depression

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Table of Contents

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Coping With Summertime Depression

Takeaways

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When we think of seasonal depression, we often think of the sadness that sets in during the short, dark, cold days of winter. For some people, however, it’s the hot summer months that trigger symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. If the summer heat and bright sunny days leave you feeling sad, moody, and irritable, you might be experiencing summertime depression.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)is not considered a specific diagnosis in the current DSM-5. It is recognized as a recurrent major depressive disorder within a seasonal pattern specifier, however the term is still commonly applied. This pattern most commonly begins in the fall and continues into the winter months.While not as common as fall and winter depression, SAD can also affect people in the late spring into the summer months.

Summertime depression, also referred to as reverse seasonal affective disorder and formally as major depressive disorder (MDD) with a seasonal pattern, is a form of SAD that flares up during the summer and typically returns every year at about the same time and resolves at characteristic times.

At a GlanceWhile SAD usually strikes during the winter, it is possible to experience seasonal symptoms of depression during the summer months. Such symptoms typically set in during the late spring or early summer and include feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritation, fatigue, and changes in weight and appetite. Why this happens isn’t really clear, but it might be due to changes in your body’s natural rhythms, heat, pollen, body image problems, and loneliness. If you tend to feel depressed during the summer, talk to your doctor or therapist. They can recommend treatments such as medications and therapy.

At a Glance

While SAD usually strikes during the winter, it is possible to experience seasonal symptoms of depression during the summer months. Such symptoms typically set in during the late spring or early summer and include feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritation, fatigue, and changes in weight and appetite. Why this happens isn’t really clear, but it might be due to changes in your body’s natural rhythms, heat, pollen, body image problems, and loneliness. If you tend to feel depressed during the summer, talk to your doctor or therapist. They can recommend treatments such as medications and therapy.

How to Beat the End-of-Summer Blues

Summertime Depression Symptoms

Seasonal depression patterns typically present with low energy, pervasive sadness, daytime tiredness, and decreased activity. Usually, these symptoms begin in the late fall and continue until spring or summer. However, people who have SAD in the summer often present with the opposite pattern, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), the largest mental health teaching hospital in Canada.

For most people with summer depression, symptoms begin in late spring or early summer and end in the fall.

Some of the more common symptoms include:

Everyone experiences some fluctuations in mood and sleep patterns, and it’s normal if you get a little of this during seasonal changes. However, people with summertime depression experience much more pronounced symptoms that can interfere with their well-being and disrupt their ability to function in their normal daily lives.

Why Do People Get Summertime Depression?

There have been many theories as to why people experience depression during the summer months. However, the research is limited, and most of the studies reference fall and winter SAD. That said, there are some specific theories that many experts refer to when considering the cause of summer depression.

Most notable is exposure to too much sunlight in the summer months which leads to changes in the body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm. When this happens, yourmelatoninproduction is lower, and your sleep-wake cycle is thrown off, resulting in disrupted sleep patterns.

Other theories that may explain why some people experience seasonal depression in the summer include:

One study found that increased pollen counts during the summer are associated with worse mood. The study found that 0.4% of people experience summertime depression, and 4.5% have seasonal patterns of mood changes.

Risk FactorsWhile both winter and summer seasonal depression can affect anyone, there are certain groups of people where SAD is more common:It occurs four times more often in women than in menThe age of onset is estimated to be between 18 and 30 years oldFamily history of other types of mood disorders

Risk Factors

While both winter and summer seasonal depression can affect anyone, there are certain groups of people where SAD is more common:It occurs four times more often in women than in menThe age of onset is estimated to be between 18 and 30 years oldFamily history of other types of mood disorders

While both winter and summer seasonal depression can affect anyone, there are certain groups of people where SAD is more common:

Causes and Risk Factors of Depression

Diagnosing Summer Depression

To be diagnosed with SAD or summer depression, the National Institute of Mental Health says you must meet the full criteria for major depression coinciding with a specific season, in this case, summer.

Since this is a recurring seasonal pattern, symptoms must be present for at least the last two years. The guidelines further state that the symptoms experienced during the summer must be much more frequent than any non-seasonal symptoms of depression.

Since a diagnosis requires the presence of symptoms for a two-year period, it’s important to note that you will not receive this diagnosis the first time you experience symptoms.

How Depression Is Diagnosed According to the DSM-5

Summertime Depression Treatment

The presence of a seasonal depressive disorder such as summertime depression can be debilitating. Like many other mood disorders, there are actions you can take to help lessen the severity of the symptoms associated with summer depression.

Seek Professional Help

Psychotherapy is highly recommended to treat depressive disorders, including summertime depression. More specifically, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven to be very effective in treating SAD.

Cognitive behavioral therapyis a type of psychotherapy that looks at the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. CBT teaches you new ways of thinking, acting, and reacting to situations that worsen the symptoms of summer depression.

Medication

Wellbutrin(bupropion) and Remeron (mirtazapine), among others, are also approved. Bupropion has an FDA indication specifically for the treatment of SAD.

Most medications take some time before you feel relief from depressive symptoms. Your medical provider may need to adjust dosage or change medications during treatment.

Seek Treatment With the 7 Best Online Help Resources for Depression

If summer depression is interfering with your daily activities, working with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that involves psychotherapy and/or medication should be the first step. Beyond that, there are lifestyle modifications that may help ease the symptoms andboost your mood.

Participate in Regular Exercise

Taking part in aregular exercise programthat includes physical activities you enjoy may help decrease the symptoms of depression.

Although any degree of exercise can potentially be helpful, to get the most benefits, aim for 30-60 minutes a day, five days a week, of aerobic and strength training exercises.

Observe Symptom Patterns

If the summer months are bothersome year after year, consider keeping track of any patterns or timelines of when symptoms develop. This information may be helpful when seeking a diagnosis. It also allows you to create a plan for managing the symptoms.

Practice Mindfulness Meditation and Deep Breathing

Deep breathingexercises combined with a daily practice ofmindfulness meditationcan help you become aware of your thoughts, feelings, and body states without reacting to them or believing them to be true.

Other helpful ways to cope:Resist the urge towithdrawfrom friends and family sincesocial isolationcan worsen feelings of depressionTry to stick to a regular sleep schedule and practice good sleep hygiene habitsEat a balanced dietPlan projects or activities that will help keep you busy during the summer

Other helpful ways to cope:

Resist the urge towithdrawfrom friends and family sincesocial isolationcan worsen feelings of depressionTry to stick to a regular sleep schedule and practice good sleep hygiene habitsEat a balanced dietPlan projects or activities that will help keep you busy during the summer

8 Tips to Help You Deal With Depression

Recognizing the seasonal pattern that comes with summer depression can help you find ways to better manage the symptoms. That said, if you’reconcerned about your physical or mental health, you may want to consider making an appointment with your doctor to discuss any questions you may have.

Being open and honest about how you’re feeling can help relieve some of the stress you may be experiencing. It also helps your doctor make a proper diagnosis. Working together, you can create a treatment plan that addresses your needs.

How to Cope With Summer Anxiety in 2022

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Melrose S.Seasonal affective disorder: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches.Depression Research and Treatment.doi:10.1155/2015/178564The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).You’ve heard of the winter blues but what about summer depression?Akram F, Jennings TB, Stiller JW, Lowry CA, Postolache TT.Mood worsening on days with high pollen counts is associated with a summer pattern of seasonality.Pteridines. 2019;30(1):133-141. doi:10.1515/pteridines-2019-0016National Institute of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Wellbutrin XL.Blake H. Physical activity and exercise in the treatment of depression.Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2012; 3: 106. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2012.00106

7 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Melrose S.Seasonal affective disorder: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches.Depression Research and Treatment.doi:10.1155/2015/178564The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).You’ve heard of the winter blues but what about summer depression?Akram F, Jennings TB, Stiller JW, Lowry CA, Postolache TT.Mood worsening on days with high pollen counts is associated with a summer pattern of seasonality.Pteridines. 2019;30(1):133-141. doi:10.1515/pteridines-2019-0016National Institute of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Wellbutrin XL.Blake H. Physical activity and exercise in the treatment of depression.Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2012; 3: 106. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2012.00106

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Melrose S.Seasonal affective disorder: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches.Depression Research and Treatment.doi:10.1155/2015/178564The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).You’ve heard of the winter blues but what about summer depression?Akram F, Jennings TB, Stiller JW, Lowry CA, Postolache TT.Mood worsening on days with high pollen counts is associated with a summer pattern of seasonality.Pteridines. 2019;30(1):133-141. doi:10.1515/pteridines-2019-0016National Institute of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Wellbutrin XL.Blake H. Physical activity and exercise in the treatment of depression.Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2012; 3: 106. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2012.00106

Melrose S.Seasonal affective disorder: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches.Depression Research and Treatment.doi:10.1155/2015/178564

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).You’ve heard of the winter blues but what about summer depression?

Akram F, Jennings TB, Stiller JW, Lowry CA, Postolache TT.Mood worsening on days with high pollen counts is associated with a summer pattern of seasonality.Pteridines. 2019;30(1):133-141. doi:10.1515/pteridines-2019-0016

National Institute of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder.

National Alliance on Mental Illness.Major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Wellbutrin XL.

Blake H. Physical activity and exercise in the treatment of depression.Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2012; 3: 106. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2012.00106

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