Summertime or Reverse SAD

Seasonal affective disorder is commonly associated with winter and fall time change; however, some people experience summertime or reverse SAD, including myself.

The days heat up, and in an attempt to stay cool, I spend less time outdoors and keep the house darker. I experience inflammation that causes heat intolerance, so just being warm is miserable.

But then the lessened sunlight results in lower levels of dopamine, and that triggers a decline in my mental health, causing depression and fatigue. This summer season has been particularly difficult.

It’s been purgatory.