It is a type of recurring depression that gets worse during a certain time of the year. While SAD typically occurs in the dark winter months, about 10% of people with SAD experience seasonal depression in the spring.
Read on to learn how SAD manifests differently in the spring than in the winter.
What Is Spring Depression?
Spring depression is a form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that occurs in the spring or summer, instead of the more common form of SAD, which occurs in the fall and winter months.
Symptoms of Spring Depression
Symptoms of spring SAD tend to be different than those of winter SAD.
Typical spring or summer SAD symptoms include:
Sadness or low mood
Feeling anxious, agitated, or restless
Reduced appetite, often leading to weight loss
Sleep difficulties, such as insomnia
Episodes of violent behavior
The severity of symptoms varies but can become severe enough to cause significant distress and suicidal thoughts, or interfere with daily functioning.
Symptoms appear in the spring or early summer, and they ease in the fall or winter.
What Causes Spring Depression?
The exact cause of spring depression is unknown, but researchers have identified some possible contributing factors.
These include:
Heat and humidity
Longer days
Disruption to routine
Change in sleep patterns due to more sunlight, heat, and other spring and summer discomforts
Seeing others having fun (such as in vacation photos) and feeling left out or feeling pressure to feel better
Avoidance of summer activities due to health or appearance concerns
Seasonal allergies (associated with increased symptoms of depression and mood disorders, possibly due to inflammation)
Recap
For some, depression symptoms appear or get worse in the spring. While it isn't known exactly why, researchers believe factors such as seasonal allergies, longer daylight hours, heat, and a disruption in sleep patterns due to seasonal changes could be contributing factors.
How Is Spring Depression Treated?
Treatment for spring depression may include:
Medication: SAD can be treated with a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps identify and improve unhealthy thought patterns, manage symptoms, and deal with stress in healthier ways.
Light therapy: This therapy, also known as bright light therapy or phototherapy, involves spending time in front of a light box that mimics sunlight for 20-60 minutes a day. Since ultraviolet (UV) rays from some light boxes can be harmful, look for a light box with a built-in UV filter.
