Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder - I think I may suffer from this.

[Rainbowpeppercorn]

I didn't even know it existed until yesterday.

I do suffer from Winter SAD, I really can not tolerate the depths of Winter especially January and February but I have also always struggled with high summer and the heat. I find the brightness too much (always wear sunglasses as I am very light sensitive), I hate the heat, hate feeling hot and sticky, I can feel quite unwell from being in the direct sun for even a short while. I struggle to sleep well during summer nights (sleep solidly during Winter), my anxiety rises to unbearable levels in the height of summer as does my depression. The heat leaves me sluggish and unmotivated. I hate that I can only walk my dog either very early or very late in the day. And I hate myself so hating summer as it seems to be everyone else's favourite time of the year.

I also hate that the heat exacerbates my IBS leaving me feeling so bloated and nauseous all the time.

Yesterday was raining and 18 and it was bliss, I felt so physically and mentally comfortable.

I love Spring and I adore Autumn and I do love the sun but only when it's weak and not intense. I love mellow September and October days it's only during these days that I'm truly happy and content tbh.

Anyone else get this?

Oh, I do have ADHD, not sure if there is any connection at all but thought I'd throw that in.

I understand this, I have the same. I have a diagnosis of something else in addition to SAD but the sensory issues and mental health issues it has triggered over decades takes a toll. I find a low dose of Fluoxetine life changing.

Summer onset SAD here. I also have autism. Really struggle with the heat and long bright days. Can’t sleep without a heavy duvet on me.

It took a long time for the NHS to recognise summer onset SAD but they do now. Every mental health crisis I have had has been in the summer.

What’s frustrating is in winter (I don’t suffer in winter to be transparent) you can get a light box and take vitamin D but in the summer there’s very little you can do except draw the curtains! Which I do, and light a candle with an autumn scent (I stock up on these every year at Homesense).

Yes we don't produce as much melatonin so this is a thing.

The lack of melatonin does make sense. I usually sleep so well during the winter months, even though I am in full peri-menopause. The lack of a decent nights sleep during the hot summer months does leave me feeling dreadful for the rest of the day.