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Summer Blues: Can the Sun Make You Sad?

The Summer Blues Are Real

What are the summer blues?

The summer blues, or summer seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs during the summer months. People with summer SAD may experience symptoms such as low mood, fatigue, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping. They may also have trouble concentrating and making decisions. In some cases, summer SAD can be severe enough to interfere with work, school, and social activities. Summer blues is also called summer depression and reverse seasonal affective disorder.

The summer blues are thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including changes in sunlight exposure, sleep patterns, and social activities. In the summer, days are longer and nights are shorter, which can disrupt our circadian rhythms and lead to sleep problems. Changes in social activities can also contribute to the summer blues. For example, people may be less likely to spend time with friends and family during the summer months, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.