Red flags of 'winter illness' that is actually common in summer as well

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

Around 10% of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) cases occur during the summer months - characterised by a sudden onset of depression or low mood. It is usually associated with a lack of daylight in the winter months and sometimes treated with special lamps.

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

Lisa said: "Typically, SAD is associated with the cold and dark winter months. Most people with SAD see their symptoms come on during the autumn and begin to fade during the spring when things start to brighten up.

"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 summertime SAD typically see signs of symptoms in the spring that eventually start to fade during the autumn.

"Research indicates that around 5% of people in the UK will experience some form of SAD during the year. When it comes to SAD in the summer, it’s estimated that around 10% of all SAD cases occur during the warmer months. Experts and clinicians are not sure what causes seasonal depression in the summer months."

It’s thought that a range of physical environments and psychological factors can contribute to feelings of depression and low mood that come and go as the seasons change.

Potential causes include:

• Expectations about enjoyment during the summer

• Self-consciousness and body image issues

• Having to change and adapt your mental health management techniques

• Changes to humidity and temperature

• A lack of adaptation to longer days

• Disrupted sleep

• Changes to your routine

• Physical and mental discomfort when temperatures rise

Seasonal affective disorder presents identical symptoms to depression.

These can range in intensity and severity and affect different individuals in different ways. It’s important to highlight that:

• Depression

• Low mood

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Increased levels of aggression

• Insomnia and difficulty staying asleep

• Reduced appetite

• Restlessness

• Increased levels of fatigue

• Headaches

• Lack of interest in socialising

• Reduced interest in pleasurable activities

• Difficulty concentrating

• Brain fog

Lisa said: "Talk-based therapy is one of many proven methods for tackling depression and SAD. During a session, you’ll be given time to talk about how you’re feeling and discuss the best way to move forward with a professional who understands your problem."

She also said you should limit your time in the sun, adding: "This doesn’t mean don’t enjoy the summer sun, but make sure you’re not overexerting yourself. Dehydration, sunburn, and general fatigue can all make symptoms of depression worse when it gets hot."

Lisa said you should also make sure you say 'no', adding: "Remember that if you suffer with any form of depression, you may need to rearrange your schedule and prioritise events and occasions that work for you. Letting close friends and loved ones know how you’re feeling can be an effective coping strategy in situations like this."

Other strategies for coping include making sure you get enough sleep and exercising regularly.

Lisa said: "It’s important to note that we all experience fluctuations in our mood and mental health from time to time. Things like our work, home life, and circumstances will all play a part in influencing how we feel, whether we’re feeling good or having a tough time.

"Many people experience depression throughout the year which will ultimately mean they experience symptoms of SAD during the summer months. Unless you’re experiencing an uptake or onset of symptoms during springtime when the weather starts to change, it’s unlikely that you’re experiencing SAD.

"SAD is characterised an uptake or onset of symptoms as seasons change. In the case of summer-onset SAD, this typically occurs during the spring months when temperatures start to rise and the days start to get a bit longer.

"This is not to say that you should ignore your symptoms simply because they’re not necessarily an indication of SAD. Symptoms of depression or any mental health problem should always be explored with a professional if they persist and have a negative impact on your day-to-day life."

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and feel like SAD is impacting your day-to-day life, consider talking to a professional.