When Symptoms of Depression Strike in the Summer

Most of us are familiar with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). During the short, cold, dark days of winter, 4 to 6 percent of people feel depressed, lethargic, pessimistic, and even hopeless. They may eat more and sleep too much. But you might be less familiar with another type of seasonal affective disorder: depression that sparks in the summer, which about 10 percent of people with SAD experience. Summertime depression is essentially the opposite of wintertime depression. “People tend to lose weight and feel more agitated and irritable, more likely to be suffering from a ‘smiling depression,’” said Dean Parker, Ph.D, a psychologist who specializes in depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, and relationships. He noted that in June his phone was ringing off the hook with people needing help for depression and anxiety. Deborah Serani, Psy.D, a psychologist who specializes in treating mood disorders, has seen similar symptoms at her practice. Her patients also report trouble sleeping, a diminished appetite and an inability to concentrate at work. Summertime depression can be especially difficult because many people with the condition feel misunderstood. Summer is seen as a carefree, calm, and fun time of the year. When people don’t experience this, they feel even more alone. As Serani said, many people make observations such as: “It’s so beautiful out, how you can feel down?” or “You must be kidding that you’re depressed this time of ye...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Depression Disorders General Happiness Mental Health and Wellness Self-Help Sleep Stress Circadian Rhythm Deborah Serani Depression (mood) depression in the summer Dysthymia electronic devices Hopelessness Major Depressive Di Source Type: blogs