Red flags of “winter illnesses” that are actually common in the summer too

A mental health expert has warned that people in the UK could be suffering from a condition that many of us only expect to see in winter, causing many people to miss the signs and symptoms. Lisa Gunn Mental Health Prevention Lead at Nuffield Health on how to recognize the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder in the summer

About 10% of cases of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) occur in the summer months – characterized by a sudden onset of depression or low mood. It is usually associated with a lack of natural light in the winter months and is sometimes treated with special lamps.

The NHS defines seasonal affective disorders as “a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern.” The condition is characterized by changes in mood, energy levels, sleep patterns and other symptoms that coincide with seasonal variations in light and temperature.

Lisa said: “SAD is usually associated with the cold, dark winter months. Most people with SAD see their symptoms appear during the fall and begin to fade during the spring when things start to brighten.

“This is not the case for people with summer seasonal depression. This type of SAD is rarer and sees a complete reversal of the symptom cycle. People with summer SAD usually see signs of symptoms in the spring that eventually begin to disappear during the fall.

“The research points to that about 5% of people in the UK will experience some form of SAD during the year. When it comes to SAD in the summer, it is estimated that about 10% of all SAD cases appear in the warmer months. Experts and clinicians aren’t sure what causes seasonal depression in the summer months.”

A number of physical, environmental and psychological factors are thought to contribute to the feelings of depression and low mood that come and go as the seasons change.

Potential causes include:

• Expectations of summer fun

• Self-awareness and body image issues

• You need to change and adapt your mental health management techniques

• Changes in humidity and temperature

• A lack of adaptation to longer days

• Disturbed sleep

• Changes to your routine

• Physical and mental discomfort when temperatures rise

Seasonal affective disorder has the same symptoms as depression.

They can vary in intensity and severity and affect different individuals in different ways. It is important to emphasize that:

• Depression

• Bad mood

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Increased levels of aggression

• Insomnia and difficulty staying asleep

• Reduced appetite

• Restlessness

• Increased levels of fatigue

• Headaches

• Lack of interest in socializing

• Reduced interest in pleasurable activities

• Difficulty concentrating

• Brain fog

Lisa said: “Talk therapy is one of many proven methods of tackling depression and SAD. During a session, you will be given time to talk about how you are feeling and discuss the best way forward with a professional who understands your problem.”

She also said you should limit your time in the sun, adding: “That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the summer sun, but make sure you don’t overexert yourself. Dehydration, sunburn and general fatigue can cause symptoms of depression to worsen when it gets hot.”

Lisa said you should make sure you say no, adding: “Remember that if you’re suffering from any form of depression, you may need to rearrange your schedule and prioritize events and occasions that work for You leave your close friends and loved ones. knowing how you feel can be an effective coping strategy in situations like this.”

Other coping strategies include making sure you get enough sleep and getting regular exercise.

Lisa said: “It’s important to remember that we all experience fluctuations in our mood and mental health from time to time. Things like work, home life and circumstances will play a role in influencing how we feel regardless of whether we feel it. well or go through a hard time.

“Many people suffer from depression throughout the year, which will eventually mean they experience SAD symptoms in the summer months. Unless you’re experiencing an assimilation or onset of symptoms during the spring when the weather starts to change, you’re unlikely to be dealing with SAD. .

“SAD is characterized by a pick-up or onset of symptoms as the seasons change. In the case of summer-onset SAD, this usually occurs in the spring months when the temperatures start to rise and the days start to get a little longer.

“This does not mean that you should ignore your symptoms simply because they are not necessarily indicative of SAD. Symptoms of depression or any mental health issue should always be explored with a professional if they persist and have a negative impact on your day. – today’s life.”

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and feel that SAD is affecting your daily life, consider talking to a professional.