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What is seasonal affective disorder? - Seasonal affective disorder, also known as "SAD," refers to symptoms of depression experienced during a specific season.

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Winter SAD - Most people suffer from SAD in the winter. Lack of sunlight, the cold, and shorter days contribute to this.

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Winter SAD - Reduced exposure to sunlight causes a drop in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which consequently affects mood.

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SAD - According to WebMD, it is estimated that in the US alone, 4% to 6% of the population is affected by SAD.

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SAD - A study conducted by The Weather Channel and YouGov found that 29% of the UK population suffer from a degree of SAD.

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Summer SAD - A smaller percentage of people suffer from depression symptoms in the summer months. Here’s what to look for.

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Too much sunlight - If too little sunlight can be a problem, the opposite is also true. Excessive sunlight can disrupt melatonin production, the hormone responsible for sleep regulation.

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Symptoms - Common symptoms of summer SAD include insomnia, agitation, anxiety, lack of appetite, and weight loss.

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Routine disruption - Disruption of schedules can be stressful and this usually happens in the summer, when you’re more likely to go on vacation.

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The kids - If you have children that are normally in school, you’ll all of a sudden have them at home all day. The same applies if your children are in college. All of a sudden you'll find yourself with more people in the house.

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Money - Summer is usually an expensive season. Going on vacation usually means that you’ll spend extra money on accommodation, food, and transport.

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Heat - While many people enjoy higher temperatures, others cannot stand them. Some people only feel comfortable in cooler temperatures.

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Allergies - A study found that seasonal allergies can affect mood. Given the higher levels of pollen in the summer, this can contribute to SAD symptoms.

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Body image - With temperatures soaring, it’s natural that we wear less clothes. This may make us feel self-conscious about our bodies. Going to the beach or swimming in a public space can become an issue.

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High expectations - Having a great time outdoors seems to be the motto of summer months, but the pressure to have a good time can really get to you.

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Social media - Social media can cause greater levels of anxiety during summer. Everyone seems to be having a great time on the beach, parties, barbecues, etc.

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Social media - Scrolling through photos of people having fun may make you feel bad for not being out there. You may feel like you’re missing out.

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What you can do about summer SAD - Try to limit sunlight exposure. Seek shade and spend more time in darkened rooms.

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Cool off - Heat being one of the culprits for summer depression, find yourself some cool areas. Air conditioning can be of great help during the summer months.

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Sleep - Make sure you have enough sleep. With longer days and shorter nights, we are more likely to sleep less in the summer. Sleep deprivation can have an impact on depression and anxiety.

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Plan your vacation -

Plan your vacation accordingly. Do you really want to go to a beach destination? Or would you be better off booking your vacation in a cooler time of the year?

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Exercise - Stay active. Keep your exercise routine if you have one. Working out can help to keep depression symptoms at bay, so this is not the time to stop.

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Diet - Eat a balanced diet and avoid crazy diets to lose weight fast. You don’t need the extra stress of being deprived of important nutrients.

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Relax - Don’t overwhelm yourself with social events and parties. If it feels like you have too much on your plate, you probably do.

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Go Zen - As people suffering from summer depression are more likely to feel agitated and manic at times, try using relaxation techniques. Look into yoga and meditation.

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It's OK, seriously. - Don’t beat yourself up for feeling the way you do. You are not alone, there are many people who struggle during the summer months.

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Seek help - If your symptoms are severe and you get no relief from implementing these strategies, seek professional help.

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Be prepared - If you already suffer from depression and are under stress, this time of the year can exacerbate the symptoms.

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See your physician -

It is important to talk to your physician if your depression gets worse in the summer. Your doctor may prescribe or adjust any medication, or refer you to another specialist.

See also: What your farts can tell you about your health

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