Feeling Down During Sunny Days? Or Battling Extreme Informed.
Summer: The season many of us look forward to all year (especially if you live in where it is often Cold and cloudy). Although summer bring many exciting changes to our day-to-day lives,
Summer is the hottest season of the year however very interesting and entertaining season especially for kids because they get chance to enjoy swimming, Hilly regions eat ice cream, etc. Many people love summer for it’s perfect beach weather and the chance to enjoy outdoor events.
Seasonal Changes can have a significant impact on mental health, and its a phenomenon commonly known as seasonal affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD typically occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight and colder temperature. However, some people may also experience a milder form of SAD during the spring and summer months.
As days grow longer in summer and the weather turns warmer in summer, many people find themselves feeling a little down. But for some people, this sadness is more than just a passing feeling and is actually a symptom of SAD.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to
changes in season. Depression is a low mood that lasts for a long time, and affects your everyday life. It’s common to be affected by changing season and weather, or to have times of year when you feel more or less comfortable. For example, you might find that your mood or energy levels drop when it gets colder or warmer, or notice changes in your sleeping or eating pattern.
Experiencing SAD in the summer can be challenging, but with the night strategies, you can manage the symptoms. Let’s explore some coping machanisms…
Before we get to explain its coping machanisms it important to mention its signs and symptoms.
Signs And Symptoms Of SAD:
Signs and symptoms of summer SAD may include;
➡ Feelings listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day.
➡ Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed.
➡ Having low energy and feeling sluggish.
➡ Having difficulty concentrating.
➡ Having problems with sleeping too much.
➡ Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty.
➡ Irritibility.
➡ Reduced appetite.
➡ Weight lose.
➡ Insomnia.
➡ Agitation.
➡ Anxiety.
➡ Episodes of violent behavior.
Research suggests that extreme summer heat can significantly impact mental health, changes in emotions and behaviors can occur due to heat’s influence on serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates mood.
These symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses.
Causes:
The reason behind summer SAD remain a puzzle, but theories include biological explanations: For example, people with SAD may overproduce melatonin, a harmone that responds to darkness and controls the sleep-wake cycle. Sunlight turns off melatonin production. This means that long summer day result in lower levels of melatonin. People with summer SAD may experience insomnia or sleep problems because they do not have enough melatonin.
Furthermore, summer can bring challenges that could affect an individual’s mood and mental health.
So, overall these factors could contribute to summer SAD.
Treatment:
Doctor have not yet established optimal treatment for summer SAD. but some specific self-care strategies for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during summer include:
1- Maintain a consistent routine: Yes, By regular daily routine can help to maintain Seasonal Affective Disorder, and can improve mood stability and can impact on mental health in positive way.
2- Improving sleep quantity: As summer SAD connects to sunlight, people may find that spending time in darkened rooms before bedtime helps them sleep better. People should also avoid not to use alcohol which can affect sleep. Try to use other techniques that help to relax mind and body. e.g meditation, yoga etc.
3- Increased Vitamin D levels: The summer season offers a chance to obtain more sunlight, which enhances the production of vitamin D in the body, studies indicate that higher vitamin D levels can have a positive impact on mood and brain health.
4- Stay Cool: Beat the summer heat by staying hydrated wearing light clothing and keep you living space cool. Avoid overheating, as it can exacerbate symptoms of SAD.
5- Stay Connected: With the arrival of summer, there is an expansion of social activity options. People have the opportunity to engage in gathering, events and outdoor social activities, festering social connections and a sense of community.
6- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or mindfulness to reduce stress and promote sense of calm.
Overall, the summer season provide a favorable environment for individuals to engage in enjoyable experiences, recharge and nurture their mental and emotional well-being.
By incorporating these self-care strategies into your routine, you can help manage symptoms of SAD and improve your overall well-being during the summer months.
Overall, seasonal changes can have a significant impact on mental health, and it’s essential to be aware of these changes and seek professional help if necessary treatment options for SAD may include light therapy, medication and therapy.
Remember, everyone’s experience with SAD is unique, so it’s essential to find coping strategies that work best for you. Do not hesitate to seek support and guidance from professional to manage summer onset SAD effectively.