Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) was previously known as seasonal depression. It is characterized by symptoms that change with the seasons. This condition is now recognized by the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5 (DSM-5)” as major depression (MDD) with a seasonal type.
Symptoms of seasonal depression most often appear in fall and winter and then improve when spring arrives. But that is not always true.
It is possible to notice the opposite: mood changes in spring and continue into summer. This type of depression is sometimes called “reverse-SAD” in reality.
Experts have found that winter depression is linked to a lack of sunlight. This may make you wonder about what causes a sad, low mood in spring. The days are getting longer, there is more sunshine, and new growth is emerging.
It turns out that spring depression may be related to longer days and warmer weather.
We’ll be discussing the signs and possible causes of spring depression.
What it feels
Spring depression can include many symptoms and signs as major depression. However, symptoms may not appear in the same way for everyone as with MDD.
As the winter days get longer and spring nears, you might notice these things.
- A general low mood can include feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
- You may have less interest or no interest in your normal activities
- Finding the motivation to stick with your daily routine is difficult
- Changes in energy such as lethargy, restlessness or lethargy
- Insomnia and Other Sleep Problems
- Trouble remembering or concentrating information
- appetite and weight loss
- Irritation or unusual agitation
- Anger or Aggression
- Thoughts of death, dying or suicide?
You may also feel restless, unable to settle down to one activity or depressed. It is possible to feel depressed, hopeless, or sad without knowing why.
Spring depression can be characterized by uncharacteristic episodes of aggressive or violent behaviour. You might also experience unusual anger without any trigger.
Why it happens
Although spring depression is less common in winter than in spring, experts aren’t certain what causes it. There are a few theories:
More daylight and warmer temperatures
Warmer days can cause discomfort if you can’t handle heat well. This is especially true if there are more hours of sunlight. Extreme heat and brightness can make you feel low and unmotivated, leading to increased restlessness or irritability.
Increased sunlight can also affect circadian rhythms. This can throw off your normal sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to get the sleep you need to maintain optimal health and well being.
In other words, bright sunshine can make it hard to unwind after a long day.
Many people notice changes to their sleeping habits as a sign of depression. But it’s worth remembering that even though insomnia can increase your chancesTrusted Source of developing depression, it is also possible for you to have insomnia.
Brain chemicals imbalances
The brain produces neurotransmitters or chemical messengers that regulate mood and other bodily functions.
However, too many or too few of these substances can cause disruptions in normal function, which can lead to mood disorders and other mental health issues.
Experts believe winter depression is due to decreased serotonin, a chemical normally produced after exposure to natural light_. A rise in melatonin can make you feel tired and more lethargic than usual.
Some believe spring depression could follow the reverse pattern.
- Your body will produce less melatonin when there is a sudden increase in sun exposure. This can lead to less sleep than you need. This lack of sleep can lead to depression or make it worse.
- Your body’s levels of serotonin increase with longer days and more sunshine. Too little serotonin can lead to depression. However, too much could contributeTrusted Source mental health issues, including social anxiety disorder.
These changes can be particularly severe for those who are sensitive. A surplus of serotonin, not to mention a lack of sleep, could cause feelings of irritability, restlessness, and low mood.
Despite this, we are still not sure what causes spring depression.
Pollen sensitivity
Are you suffering from seasonal allergies? Pollen sensitivity can make you feel groggy, congested and miserable. It could also cause mood changes, such as depression.
- The Research From 2007Trusted Source was based on a sample of 845 African-American students who lived in Washington, D.C. Researchers found that African American students had higher levels of asthma and allergies than those from other countries. They also experienced more severe symptoms. Participants had worse moods during high pollen days. Those affected by mood changes due to pollen were more likely to suffer from seasonal depression in spring and summer.
- Research from 2019Trusted Source Surveyed 1,306 Old Order Amish Adults — a predominantly farming population more susceptible to seasonal allergens and pollen. This study also found a correlation between high levels of pollen and mood problems in those suffering from summer or spring depression symptoms.
Additional risk factors
A few other factors could increase your chance of suffering from seasonal depression.
- Sex. Females are more likely to develop MDD in a seasonal pattern. Trusted Source says that men have more severe symptoms.
- An MDD family history with a seasonal pattern. A close family member with winter or spring depression, such as a parent or sibling, can increase your chances of experiencing it.
- Your personal history of bipolar disorder may increase your vulnerability to seasonal rhythm disturbances. In manic episodes, shifts in your circadianRhythm may also play an important roleTrusted Source.
- Changes to your schedule. You may feel low if your job changes with the seasons.
- Geography. The climate can play a role in summer and spring depression symptoms.
How to deal
Spring depression relief doesn’t need to be a waiting game. These strategies can help you feel better and reduce your symptoms.
- Maintain good sleep hygiene. A lack of sleep can exacerbate spring depression symptoms. Keep your bedroom dark and cool using fans, blackout curtains, and breathable bedding to improve your sleeping. It’s a good idea to make it a habit of getting up at the same time each day to go to bed.
- Keep cool. Keep your cool. Although there is no evidence to support the idea that heat sensitivity causes depression in spring, being uncomfortable most of the day won’t help. Keep hydrated and wear breathable clothes.
- Regular exercise can help you to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also improve your sleep quality. If you can, swim, exercise in an air-conditioned area, or stick to morning and evening workouts to stay cool.
- Meditation, journaling and art can help you identify and accept negative emotions. Art therapy can also help, regardless of your artistic ability.
- Reach out and tell your loved ones. It can be not easy at first to let people know what’s going on. Remember that your friends and family care about you and likely offer support.
- Maintain a consistent routine. Having a school or work schedule that changes in spring can make you feel lethargic, disengaged, and unmotivated. A daily routine that includes chores, goal-directed activities such as studying or learning new skills, fun activities, and chores can make your daily life more satisfying and structured.
- A balanced diet is important. A lack of appetite characterizes spring depression. It is common to feel deprived of the nutrients you need. This can make it difficult to eat and affect your productivity and concentration. Look for nutritious, depressive-relieving foods and drink lots of water when you feel thirsty.