Summer Depression: Exploring Causes and Treatment Options
Summer depression is a type of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that occurs during the warmest months of the year, typically from May to September. While the exact causes of summer depression remain largely unknown, experts believe that a combination of environmental, social, and medical factors may contribute. Treatment options include psychotherapy, light therapy, and medications.
Introduction
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs during the winter months, but in some cases, the symptoms may persist during the summer months. Summer depression, a less known form of SAD, is characterized by feelings of low mood, irritability, and lack of motivation. Even though it is less common than winter SAD, summer depression affects millions of people around the world. The purpose of this paper is to explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for summer depression.
Causes
The exact causes of summer depression remain largely unknown, but experts believe that environmental, social, and medical factors may contribute.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors associated with summer depression such as extended daylight hours and an increase in temperature can affect a person’s mood. For instance, bright light can interfere with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disturbances and mood alterations (Kessler, 2019). Additionally, high temperatures can cause dehydration, fatigue, and heat exhaustion, all of which can contribute to feelings of depression (Solomon, 2020).
Social Factors
Social factors, such as increased social obligations and decreased social support during the summer months, may also contribute to summer depression. For instance, the summer months are often filled with vacations, family gatherings, and other social obligations that can be overwhelming for some people (Kessler, 2019). Additionally, many people may experience a decrease in social support during the summer due to friends and family members being away on vacation or otherwise unavailable (Solomon, 2020).
Medical Factors
Medical factors, such as changes in hormones and medications, can also contribute to summer depression. For instance, some people may experience a decrease in serotonin levels during the summer months, which can lead to feelings of depression (Kessler, 2019). Additionally, some medications, such as oral contraceptives, can interfere with serotonin levels and result in depression (Solomon, 2020).
Symptoms
The symptoms of summer depression are similar to those of other types of depression, including feelings of sadness, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, irritability, loss of interest in activities, and changes in sleep and appetite (Kessler, 2019). Other common symptoms include social withdrawal, fatigue, and decreased libido (Solomon, 2020).
Treatment Options
The treatment of summer depression typically involves psychotherapy, light therapy, and medications.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can be helpful in managing the symptoms of summer depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are two types of psychotherapy that can be used to identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that are associated with depression (Kessler, 2019). Other forms of psychotherapy, such as psychodynamic therapy, may also be beneficial (Solomon, 2020).
Light Therapy
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a type of treatment that involves exposure to bright light for a period of time. This type of therapy can help regulate the body’s natural circadian rhythm and improve mood (Kessler, 2019).
Medication
Medication can also be used to treat summer depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medications for depression, and they work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain (Kessler, 2019). Other medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, may also be prescribed for summer depression (Solomon, 2020).
Conclusion
Summer depression is a type of seasonal affective disorder that occurs during the warmest months of the year. The exact causes of summer depression remain largely unknown, but experts believe that environmental, social, and medical factors may contribute. Treatment options include psychotherapy, light therapy, and medications.
References
Kessler, D. (2019). Summer depression: Causes and treatments. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/summer-depression
Solomon, A. (2020). The best treatments for summer depression. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/summer-depression-treatment-options-5090204