THE arrival of spring is meant to be a time to celebrate as the days become longer, brighter and warmer.
But for some, along with the new season comes a wave of low energy and a dip in mood.
GettySome people experience heightened depression in the spring[/caption]
If this sounds familiar, you could be experiencing spring asthenia, spring fatigue, or spring-onset seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
“It causes symptoms of depression to emerge in the late spring to early summer months,” according to Dr Ashwin Sharma, a clinical content lead and medical doctor at online pharmacy MedExpress.
While not medically recognised as a diagnosable condition, many people are familiar with feeling a bit sad as the seasons shift.
SAD is a condition more commonly known to affect people in the winter, when everything is slightly gloomy.
However, some 10 per cent of people experience the condition in reverse (spring or summer SAD), according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Because it’s less common, the condition is rare and poorly researched.
The causes of SAD are not clear.
However, changes in sunlight exposure could be behind it.
Too little sun experienced in the winter could hinder the production of the hormones melatonin, which is important for regular sleep, and serotonin, also known as the “happy hormone”.
On the flip side, too much light in the spring is also thought to trigger these bodily responses.
“[Some] suggest the lengthening days and increased light exposure in spring may disrupt circadian rhythms and melatonin production in certain individuals, triggering depressive symptoms,” Dr Ashwin told the Independent.
However, a number of circumstantial factors may contribute to a low mood in the sunnier months.
These include financial strain, low body confidence or a lack of quiet time.
The pressure to socialise in the warmer, sunnier months can affect mood while pushing yourself to do so can make it worse, Professor Margareta James, founder of the Harley Street Wellbeing Clinic and a psychologist, previously told the Sun.
“We tend to say yes to everything, and every weekend can be busy,” she said.
Hay fever, humidity and hot weather – which can trigger conditions such as asthma and eczema – can also make a person miserable.
The 12 symptoms of spring fatigue
It’s important to note that SAD is not just feeling grumpy.
The NHS says: “The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are similar to those of normal depression, but they occur repetitively at a particular time of year.”
Signs include:
Low mood
Tearfulness
Feelings of despair
Social withdrawal
Loss of interest in everyday activities and hobbies
Reduced sex drive
Stress
More hungry and weight gain (specific to winter SAD)
Loss of appetite and weight loss (specific to spring sad)
Difficulty maintaining relationship
If you are struggling with any of these symptoms, you should go and see your GP.
They can ask you questions about your feelings and thoughts that may help you better understand what you are going through and what support is available.
Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.
What can you do about SAD?
A GP can assess to check your mental health and recommend potential treatment plans.
A GP can assess to check your mental health and recommend potential treatment plans.
For those with winter SAD, this may look like light therapy or lifestyle measures that encourage seeking natural daylight.
Prof Margareta said being conscious of light exposure is also important for summer SAD, for example, limiting exposure in the evenings where possible.
But, because summer SAD hasn’t been thoroughly researched, an optimal treatment plan hasn’t been found yet, according to Medical News Today.
Lifestyle measures that may help include:
Improving sleep, such as by drawing the curtains when it’s still light
Using air-con or cold showers to help regulate heat and reduce irritability
Reduce stress
Eat a healthy diet
Planning your social life to include time off
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