While many anticipate the arrival of warmer weather and longer days with enthusiasm, a subset of the population experiences a decline in mood and energy during the summer. This condition, known as summer seasonal affective disorder (SSAD), or reverse seasonal affective disorder (RSAD), affects approximately 0.57% of people, according to an analysis of multiple studies.
SSAD shares many symptoms with its winter counterpart, winter depression. These can include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, restlessness, a lack of motivation, and social withdrawal. Individuals experiencing summer depression may also notice a loss of appetite, a contrast to the increased appetite often seen in winter.
The precise causes of SSAD are still being researched, but some theories point to disruptions in the body's sleep-wake cycle, regulated by the hormone melatonin. While those with winter SAD may produce too much melatonin, individuals with summer SAD might produce too little. This could be linked to disrupted sleep patterns caused by high temperatures, extended daylight hours, and shorter nights.
Beyond biological factors, lifestyle and psychological stressors associated with summer can also contribute. The season can bring increased pressure related to travel planning, vacation expenses, and social obligations. Some individuals report feeling anxious about missing out on social events or experience heightened self-consciousness about their bodies when wearing less clothing.
Sophia Marren, who has experienced summertime sadness, described feeling pressure to be constantly active and social, leading to feelings of inadequacy. "During (these months), you feel like you should always be doing more — whether that’s being more out and about, being active and doing all the things you see people do online," she previously told The Post. "It makes me feel like I’m not doing enough and falling behind in life because I’m not ‘enjoying it’ as much as others…You feel less adventurous, less financially stable and less fun."
Other contributing factors can include changes in daily routines, particularly for those in seasonal occupations like teachers. Seasonal allergies, which can cause inflammation, and increased alcohol consumption, which can exacerbate anxiety and depression, have also been cited.
Lachrista Greco, a writer and librarian, finds that a combination of heat, extended daylight, and seasonal allergies affects her mood. "For me, it’s the combination of heat, extra daylight and allergies," she said. "Why wouldn’t there be a summer SAD? It makes sense to me that some people thrive during the summer and others thrive during the winter…Some of us would prefer to lie down in a gentle, soft snowpile rather than be burned alive by the sun."