Doctors have warned of seven key factors that can lead to what is known as "summer depression," resulting from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. These include high temperatures and humidity, sleep disturbances, changes in daily routines, reduced physical activity, social isolation, financial pressures related to vacations and travel, and comparing oneself to others' posts on social media and the pursuit of the "perfect vacation." They emphasized that constantly comparing oneself to what is posted on social media can exacerbate feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction.
They identified the groups most susceptible to it, namely those with a history of depression or anxiety, those who work outdoors or on a shift system, and people most affected by changes in routine or social circumstances.
They told Emirates Today that there are nine signs that should alert one to summer depression, most notably unusual irritability, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, difficulty sleeping, poor appetite, decreased concentration, social isolation from family and friends, and reduced productivity at work or school. They urged people not to ignore these symptoms and advised against associating happiness solely with travel or vacations.
Seasonal Disorder
In detail, Dr. Riyadh Khodair, a consultant psychiatrist, warned against underestimating the impact of what is known as "summer depression," emphasizing that it is not merely a passing feeling of fatigue or distress due to high temperatures. Rather, some individuals may suffer from a form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the symptoms of which appear during the summer months and affect mental health and daily life if they persist for weeks without treatment. He explained that summer depression differs from traditional depression, which can occur at any time of year, and also from SAD associated with winter, as it is characterized by symptoms such as irritability, tension, anxiety, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and psychological exhaustion.
He added that summer depression is not caused by a single reason, but rather by an overlap of biological, psychological and environmental factors. He pointed out that staying indoors for long periods, sleep disturbances due to heat, changes in daily routines during vacations, in addition to travel stress, family obligations and financial costs, are all factors that may contribute to the appearance of symptoms, along with the effect on some people of changing daylight hours and what is reflected on the biological clock and mood-regulating chemicals.
He pointed out that signs that warrant attention include persistent sadness, unusual nervousness, anxiety, loss of interest in activities, difficulty sleeping, poor appetite, decreased concentration, and isolation, explaining that if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks and affect work, studies, or social relationships, they should not be ignored.
He stressed that people with a history of depression, anxiety, or seasonal affective disorder are most at risk, in addition to those with a family history of mental disorders, outdoor or shift workers due to sleep disturbances and stress, as well as teenagers and young adults during holidays, and people who live alone or lack social support.
He explained that summer depression can directly affect work and academic performance, through poor concentration, loss of motivation, increased errors, and decreased productivity. It can also affect social relationships as a result of irritability or a tendency towards isolation and avoidance of family gatherings.
He stressed that depression is a medical condition that requires serious attention, and that adhering to a healthy routine, exercising, maintaining social contact, and seeking professional support when symptoms persist, are the best ways to reduce its effects.
Holidays and travel
Family medicine consultant, Dr. Wasan Suleiman, warned that summer does not have a positive impact on everyone, stressing that high temperatures, humidity and sleep disturbances may increase stress, fatigue and mood swings, in addition to increasing the risks of dehydration and heat stress, especially among children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases.
She added that while vacations and travel can contribute to improved mental health when they provide rest and relaxation, they can also become an additional source of stress for some due to jet lag, financial costs, sleep disturbances, loneliness, or the pursuit of the "perfect vacation." She noted that their impact varies from person to person, depending on their circumstances and lifestyle. She explained that individuals with a history of anxiety or bipolar disorder are more prone to mood swings during the summer. Furthermore, some medications, such as diuretics or drugs that affect body temperature regulation or increase skin sensitivity to the sun, can exacerbate the effects of heat and dehydration, necessitating a doctor's consultation if any unusual symptoms appear. She emphasized that preventing summer depression begins with simple daily habits, including maintaining a regular sleep schedule, drinking sufficient water, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, engaging in physical activity during moderate times, and maintaining social connections. She stressed the importance of seeking medical help if depressive symptoms persist or interfere with daily life. She added that a deficiency in certain nutrients, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, may be linked to mood swings in some people, noting the danger of taking nutritional supplements without a medical diagnosis.
She stressed that neglecting to drink water, excessive consumption of sugary drinks and stimulants, prolonged exposure to the sun, lack of movement, in addition to comparing vacations to what others post on social media, may enhance feelings of dissatisfaction and increase the severity of mood swings.
Therapy and Support
Psychiatrist Dr. Ruqaya Awawdeh explained that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) differs from normal mood fluctuations in that it recurs during the same season, lasts for weeks or months, and significantly impacts work, studies, and social relationships. She added that diagnosing the condition depends on a psychiatrist's assessment, which includes reviewing the nature and duration of the symptoms, their correlation with a specific season, and their recurrence over the years. This assessment also considers the impact on occupational and social functioning, while ruling out other medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies.
She noted that most patients respond well to treatment, explaining that the treatment plan may include psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, increased exposure to natural light, regular physical activity, improved sleep habits, in addition to light therapy in appropriate cases and under medical supervision, or the use of antidepressant drugs according to the doctor’s assessment.
She stressed the importance of not ignoring the symptoms, calling for a visit to a psychiatrist if symptoms of depression persist for more than two weeks, affect work or school performance or family life, daily activities become exhausting, or symptoms recur at the same time every year.
Healthy alternatives
For her part, psychologist Hessa Al-Rais confirmed that “summer depression” is one of the patterns of seasonal depression that may affect some people, and requires serious attention if its symptoms persist or affect the quality of life.
She pointed out that summer is associated by many with travel, entertainment and vacations, but the inability of some to travel due to financial or social circumstances, in addition to comparing themselves to others, may generate feelings of frustration or sadness, especially if it coincides with other psychological and physical factors, stressing that summer depression does not result from one cause, but rather from the interaction of biological, psychological and social factors that differ from one person to another.
She stressed the importance of dealing positively with the summer season, and not associating the feeling of happiness with travel or vacations only, pointing out that practicing available summer activities, such as going to the sea or swimming pools, enjoying indoor activities in air-conditioned places, spending time with the family, and experiencing domestic tourism, in addition to practicing relaxation and meditation exercises, maintaining regular sleep, physical activity, and exposure to natural light at appropriate times, helps to improve mood and enhance mental health, stressing that the basic idea is not to wait for ideal conditions to feel happy, but rather to look for available means that add fun and renewal to daily life.
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