How to Cope with Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is also commonly referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a type of depression that follows the seasons, and is most commonly associated with the winter months. Summer SAD is much less common than it's counterpart, but no less serious for those who are afflicted with the blues every year as summer rolls around. Summer can be especially difficult when many people around you seem to love the heat and sun, leaving you to feel as if you are alone in your quandary. Read below for my tips on coping with Summer SAD. *Determining whether or not you may have Summer SAD can be complicated, so I have included some helpful links at the end of the article, although none of these are a substitute for checking in with your family doctor if you feel you may have SAD

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Air Conditioning
• Ice packs
• Plenty of indoor projects and activities

1. Pay attention to things that make you happy. For some people, lying low in the heat of the day and doing their outside activities in the early morning or evening works wonders. Listen to your body and do what feels best to you.
2. If you'll be spending a lot of time indoors and its the heat that bothers you (for some who suffer Summer SAD, it's more the abundance of light that bothers them), make sure your air conditioning is working well before summer comes, and keep ice packs and cold water handy at all times. Many people also find that painting the inside of their home in aquas or greens help combat the summer blues. Once you've achieved the right temperature and light settings in your house, you'll be all set to work on indoor projects, reading, etc., during the dog days of summer.
3. Plan activities that will keep you in cooler or shadier environments. Being near a body of water, in the mountains, or camping where there is plenty of shade may help you achieve temporary relief from your symptoms.
4. If you currently have a prescription for antidepressants, you may want to check with your doctor about your symptoms and see if you should have your dosage upped during the summer months.
5. This is just the tip of the iceberg, but I hope it has helped. Please see the links at the bottom of this article for some really great websites that contain more information about SSAD and ways you can cope.

Tips & Warnings

• As with anything that can be difficult or overwhelming, take it one day at a time.
• Remember to check in with your doctor if you feel that you may have any form of SAD but have not yet been formally diagnosed.