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Summertime S. A. D. ness: Summer Patterned Seasonal Affective Disorder

  • Writer: Autumn Bakhsh-Livingston
    Autumn Bakhsh-Livingston
  • Aug 15
  • 3 min read
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The summer season is often thought of as a season of warmth, fun, joy, and enjoying time outdoors. However, this isn't the case for everyone. With the heat and beating sun, sometimes summer is a time of elevated agitation, irritation, anxiety, overwhelm and sadness. The summer months can feel overwhelming, sticky, and leave you feeling miserable while those around you want to have more of it. If this rings true for you, you may be experiencing summer pattern seasonal affective disorder (summer pattern S.A.D.). 


What is SAD?


Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), also known as seasonal depression, is a recurring period of depression linked to specific seasonal patterns. These periods last for 4-5 months and, while most commonly associated with fall and winter, can also occur in summer for some people.


Winter pattern S.A.D. is typically brought on by the colder weather coming and the decrease in sunlight from the shortening of days, often beginning in the fall. The symptoms of winter pattern S.A.D. include an increase in feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety, a decrease in energy and interest in activities, as well as oversleeping (hypersomnia), social withdrawal, and overeating, especially for carbs. 


So how does Summer Pattern SAD differ? 


Well, on the flip side, Summer Pattern SAD is brought on by the increase in temperatures and longer days, especially in the summer months, with the high heat and humidity. Symptoms for Summer Pattern SAD include increased feelings of sadness, anxiety, and agitation, as well as reduced appetite and interest in activities previously enjoyed, weight loss and difficulty sleeping (insomnia). 


So what causes SAD? 


Well, unfortunately, it is unclear what causes SAD, and while research has looked into winter-pattern S.A.D. and has some ideas on what causes it, there is no definitive answer yet. As for summer pattern S.A.D., more research is still needed on this side of the disorder as a whole. The biggest factors that may be contributing to summer S.A.D. are the high levels of heat and humidity experienced. Other factors that could be contributing to people experiencing Summer Pattern SAD include:


  • Disruption in routine due to vacations, and/or children being out of school.

  • Not being able to partake in summer vacation or activities due to health and/or finances

  • Feelings of discomfort and isolation due to bodily reaction to heat 

  • Anxiety around physical appearance 


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How do I cope with SAD in the summer?


While more research is needed to determine the causes, resources from the community and researchers are available on how to manage summer pattern S.A.D. When it comes to coping with any form of seasonal affective disorder, therapy can be extremely beneficial, particularly cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). 


Here at Anchoridge, we use CBT to help identify the negative thought patterns surrounding your S.A.D and help you to find and develop effective coping strategies, no matter if it's winter or summer patterned. 

Here are some of our clinicians who can support you:  


Aside from psychological treatments, there are a variety of coping strategies that may be helpful, such as:

  • Maintaining social connections

  • Keep active 

  • Maintain a healthy diet

  • Keep a proper and consistent sleep and hygiene schedule 

  • Keep cool and hydrated (I recommend a rechargeable neck fan)

  • Plan by setting a financial budget or activity planner to ensure balance in activities, work, and rest.

  • Make a list of things that help you destress/what things to avoid or work around.

  • Ensure you have supports in place 


Seeing and hearing everyone enjoy the summer weather can feel isolating when you feel the opposite, but you’re not alone. 


Let’s Talk

Think you may be experiencing Summer Pattern SAD? We are here to help.

📍 In-person sessions available in Waterloo, London, and Oakville

💻 Virtual counselling across Ontario

Book a free 15-minute consultation or explore our Depression and Distress page to get started.


Supports: 

Suicide Crisis Line https://988.ca/ 



Sources:

Feature image by Dan Cristian Pădureț, on Unsplash

Supporting Image by George Chandrinos, on Unsplash



 

About Anchoridge Counselling Services

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At Anchoridge Counselling Services, we provide compassionate, client-centred support for individuals, couples, and families. With locations across Ontario, our team of experienced psychotherapists and social workers is committed to helping you navigate life’s challenges with evidence-based strategies and a supportive environment.

Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or personal growth, we’re here to help. Our mission is to guide you toward resilience, healing, and a stronger sense of self.


Explore our services or connect with a therapist today at www.anchoridgecounselling.com.


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