How can all of this affect our moods? Well, according to Jade Thomas, Psychotherapist and Founder of Luxe Psychology, quite a lot. “It is possible that the weather could be significantly impacting people’s moods and people could be experiencing SAD symptoms this summer,” she says.
“This summer in the UK, we haven’t had as much sunshine as we probably hoped for, therefore the grey skies and rain could be impacting people’s motivation levels and overall mood,” she tells us. “Particularly in the summer months, people look forward to spending more time outside so they might be experiencing disappointment and frustration if plans have been changed or cancelled this summer due to the weather.”
How do I know if I have summer SAD?
It may be hard for some of us to distinguish whether we’re experiencing summer SAD or just feeling a little low. According to Healthline, you might have summer SAD if you’re experiencing any of the below symptoms (although, there are many other reasons you may be experiencing these feelings, so it’s always a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis).
Common symptoms of Summer SAD:
- Agitation
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased restlessness
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
Speaking to MSNBC, Dr. Norman Rosenthal, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical School said: “In its most severe form, people with summer seasonal depression may be more at risk for suicide than cold-weather SAD.”
Dr. Rosenthal added: “Suicide is more of a concern when people are depressed and agitated rather than depressed and lethargic.”
Improving your mental health is always a journey that requires a lot of love and care no matter what season we’re in. But if you do struggle particularly with SAD in the summer, then there are a few ways to treat it. Here are some tips on how to cope, according to experts and research…
1. Accept your feelings
The first step in treating your seasonal affective disorder is to recognise it for what it is, go easy on yourself, and practice some self-care.
“Learning to relax can help you look after your wellbeing when you are feeling stressed, anxious or busy,” says Mind, who points to relaxation techniques such as meditation and mindfulness.
2. Switch up your meals
According to research, healthy lifestyle habits can minimise SAD symptoms. This includes regular sleep, a healthy diet with lean protein, fruits, and vegetables and exercising, reports Healthline. Dr. Ben-Ari also recommends taking Omega-3 supplements while Mind stresses the importance of drinking plenty of water in order to stay hydrated.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Depression and anxiety can be rife for those experiencing summer SAD. One way health experts recommend treating this is by seeing a therapist. Trying to find the right therapist isn’t always easy but taking the initial step to do so is important. There are many different talking therapies that can be effective in treating SAD, including services available at mental health charity, Mind.