I wrote this big long tome about why I'm sad that it's spring, but no one wants to hear me whine, so I'll just ask:
Anyone else with reverse SAD? I've read it's actually recognized as an actual thing now.
Note to anyone tempted to write about how I'm crazy and summer is awesome: the lack of understanding we get for the condition is one of the things that makes it so difficult to live with. So thank you for not doing so.
I know Munchy has talked about having this experience. Hopefully she will see this and post and share with you.
Thanks for sharing the link. I'm so sorry you're experiencing this. I typically experience traditional SAD, though this fall was much much better for me. I'm not sure if it was change in diet, change in birth control, light therapy, or what. Whatever it was, I was thankful to feel like myself this fall. I hope you are able to find a coping mechanism that works for you.
I'm sorry you have SAD - it sucks - but am glad you had a better experience this year. Thanks for responding.
I'm quite anxious about this upcoming year. Last summer was my first in a new region and it wasn't bad at all but everyone said it was a really mild summer. Then we had a really mild winter (for the region, anyway), so I'm quite nervous that's going to translate into a hot summer.
I've suspected I have this. I take Zoloft daily for depression and I will for life, but there does seem to be something about summer that can make it worse. Maybe it's like how the winter holidays can be especially depressing because everyone has such high expectations.
The heat where I live can easily be over 100 degrees for weeks on end so I end up with cabin fever because it's too miserable to go out and do anything. Then I feel like a bad wife and mom for not taking advantage of the summer and having more fun. And I noticed ever since I was younger that I tend to put on weight over the summer.
I love summer because I get SAD in winter, so I kind of get the concept. There is light therapy for winter SAD, is there...dark therapy? For summer SAD? Does it help if you use darkening drapes to make the daylight hours seem shorter like they are in winter?
The heat where I live can easily be over 100 degrees for weeks on end so I end up with cabin fever because it's too miserable to go out and do anything.
I got that cabin fever really bad when I lived in NYC. Between the heat and humidity, I really didn't want to be outside and walking outdoors is one of my favorite things. It also kept me from cooking, which is another hobby. So I spent 3 months denied of two favorite activities. No wonder I get depressed! I started buying raw foods cookbooks just so I could engage in elaborate food preparation without turning on the stove.
I love summer because I get SAD in winter, so I kind of get the concept. There is light therapy for winter SAD, is there...dark therapy? For summer SAD? Does it help if you use darkening drapes to make the daylight hours seem shorter like they are in winter?
When I was hunting down links to use here, I read about how reverse SAD is harder to treat than conventional SAD. Partly because they're not sure light is the cause. I read a short magazine article last year that I wish I had kept, as it summarized various treatments that some people have had success with, including brief exposure to very early morning light. Also, botox. (???)
I've never liked summer. I chalk the depression it causes in me up to:
1) Extended period of physical discomfort (sometimes it gets so humid that AC doesn't help and sometimes it gets so hot that my wall unit AC can't keep up.) It gets cold in the winter, but then you go inside and it's fine there.
2) Sleep deprivation caused by the noisy air conditioner, physical discomfort, noisy neighbors when I sleep with the windows open, and the Sudafed I have to take because wearing ear plugs aggravates my sinusitis, yet I can't sleep without them because it's too noisy.
3) Not being able to walk outdoors much or cook whenever I want because it's too hot and/or often rainy. These are two of my favorite hobbies.
Last edited by Violette_R; 04-28-2015 at 05:51 PM.
I can relate to both types of SAD. Winter and Summer both dramatically worsen the cognitive and mood issues associated with my fibromyalgia, in addition to the pain and insomnia.
Any extreme weather is a symptom trigger for me, and the coldest and warmest days are the worst.
Best advice I can give is to use a symptom/food/behavior/temperature/weather log to help you discover your specific triggers.
Accuweather just predicted a hottter than normal summer for the Midwest.
This is good new for me, but I'm sorry that it will cause you distress. We had such a lousy, cool summer last year. But you know, the weather man is wrong so often. Perhaps it won't be so warm as they say. Whatever the case I sure hope there are less ticks this year!
I know Munchy has talked about having this experience. Hopefully she will see this and post and share with you.
Thanks for sharing the link. I'm so sorry you're experiencing this. I typically experience traditional SAD, though this fall was much much better for me. I'm not sure if it was change in diet, change in birth control, light therapy, or what. Whatever it was, I was thankful to feel like myself this fall. I hope you are able to find a coping mechanism that works for you.
Ha, here I am! Yep, I have it. I think it's a mixture of hating being uncomfortably hot, and also my body image. Summer = revealing clothing.
Accuweather just predicted a hottter than normal summer for the Midwest.
For what it's worth, Accuweather is...usually not very accurate. The Climate Prediction Center's outlook for May, June, and July shows equal chances in the Midwest. That means it should generally be normal, and it's equally as likely to be warmer than normal as cooler. Depending on where you are in the midwest, precipitation is equal chances to below normal.
I'm very sorry to hear about how the upcoming season will be affecting you, but hopefully the lack of warmer than normal forecast from a more trust-worthy agency will provide a measure of comfort.
FWIW, not that I get seasonal depression in the summer, but I will say my comfort improved significantly since I discovered moisture wicking clothing. If you're wearing cotton in the summer, stop. I promise you it will make you feel at least a few degrees cooler and you won't feel as gross as you feel when covered in sweat.
Can you also invest in a better or additional AC? I know it's hard when money is tight, but consider it the equivalent of spending money on going to the doctor or getting medications.
Also, white noise machines. And setting your AC to be on steadily rather than turning on and off all night may reduce the sleep annoyances.
Just some thoughts! Hope you are all able to combat this.
Can you also invest in a better or additional AC? I know it's hard when money is tight, but consider it the equivalent of spending money on going to the doctor or getting medications.
Also, white noise machines. And setting your AC to be on steadily rather than turning on and off all night may reduce the sleep annoyances.
I rent. What I've got is what I get - central air in rental housing is nearly unheard of in this area.
I hate when I try to help and people just shoot down my suggestions, so I won't go into detail. And I appreciate your desire to help, but I've experimented with all manner of methods to deal with the noise issue (both AC unit and neighbors) and it just is what it is. Apparently I'm "really sensitive to noise." I kind of want to kneecap everyone who says that to me but the truth is I do have misophonia (selective sound sensitivity disorder.)
I'm looking into buying but am also worried about doing so because I love and crave peace and silent tranquility so much that I fear the only home that would ever be quiet enough for me only existed before the Industrial Revolution.
Any one else with reverse SAD?
