Is ‘summertime sadness’ real? Experts explain how SAD works in India

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), commonly referred to as winter depression, is defined as a condition that occurs specifically with the onset of winter, due to reduced exposure to light and longer nights, bringing in gloomy moods and a ‘winter blues' state of mind. While this is true for regions with relatively colder climatic conditions, for India, which has a tropical monsoon and dry climate, signs and symptoms of SAD can be associated with rising temperatures. It is a common phenomenon during the summer season.

"In a country like India which is subject to intense temperature variations, it is often seen that persons suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may experience it worsening during the summer months," says Dr Kedar Tilwe, consultant and psychiatrist at Fortis Hospital, Mumbai.

While seasonality and mental health in India has been the subject of various research reports, there is not enough study to measure the direct psychological impact of summer on an individual's mental health. According to Shrradha Sidhwani, city-based psychologist and psychotherapist, though there is no concrete study in India about summer induced SAD, there are symptoms such as lower frustration tolerance, increased anxiety and anger episodes, which are significantly seen during the summer. These indicate a reactive depressive behaviour, which is not very common during winter.

"During winter, people generally go into hibernation, are in a festive mood and do not focus on mental health and therapy more. While in summer, we see a lot of people concerned about their everyday behaviour and moods," says Sidhwani.

With less hydration of the body and more sweating experienced due to soaring temperatures, experts say environmental factors surely act as a trigger during the summer season. Sidhwani also adds that it is a period when people tend to exhaust their body with more work as March also marks the end of the financial year, the pressures of which can further aggravate the stress and irritation.

Not to forget the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and its searing effects on livelihood and everyday life during the last two summers, all of which have added to the sensitivities of an individual's mental health.

If you are facing phases of excessive frustration and higher anxiety levels during summer, there are chances you may be experiencing symptoms of a seasonal affective disorder.

Probable SAD symptoms during summer

Experts say a disturbed sleep-cycle, frequent anxiety and anger episodes and physical pain resulting from psychological unease are some of the major indicators of summer SAD. Intense temperature variations can interfere with an individual's circadian rhythm, which Tilwe explains is a set of physiological processes occurring over a period of approximately 24 hours in a person's body, including changes in sleep-wake cycle and hormonal variations. This can greatly impact a person's biological and psychological functioning causing breakthrough symptoms of mental health disorders. These breakthrough symptoms are decreased interest in previously pleasurable activities, ideas of hopelessness and worthlessness and difficulties in concentration.

As discussed earlier, during summer people are more prone to working beyond the regular potential of their body. This over exhaustion coupled with environmental factors and inadequate sleep may likely affect the levels of neurotransmitter serotonin, associated with depression, the depletion of which can precipitate symptoms of SAD.

"Summer months in India are often associated with delayed sleep onset and early awakening. Alterations of sleep cycle, electrolyte disturbances caused by increase in sweating due to higher humidity and temperature may cause effects, the severity of which can vary from minor discomfort to severe life-threatening concerns like those seen with heat strokes," says Tilwe.

In addition to anger episodes and higher social anxiety, the physical impacts include migraine, body aches, heat strokes and irritable bowel syndrome and less tolerance on food. Psychological stressors triggering physical pain, which Sidhwani identifies as somatoform disorders are actively seen during March and the following months.

People who are sensitive to heat or are addicted to alcohol and other intoxicants undergo more traumas and experience the symptoms with greater intensity. While symptoms of SAD are likely to remain the same, irrespective of gender, women tend to experience harsher effects during the pre-menstruation period. Men are likely to report more sweating, palpitations and increased panic attacks.

Things to do

Mumbaikars have been experiencing a heat wave since over a week now, with temperatures soaring above 36 degree Celsius, prompting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to issue guidelines for residents to protect themselves from heat-induced physical conditions. As experts mentioned, the physical impact may also arise from psychological conditions.

In addition to expert initiated psychotropic medications and behavioural therapies, certain changes in the lifestyle may also help in tackling harmful symptoms. Both Tilwe and Sidhwani believe identifying the symptoms is the first step towards managing any form of mental health discomfort.

Besides, hydrating sufficiently, monitoring sleep cycles and temperatures by maintaining a log or a diary, dedicating some time to physical exercise and restricting intake of caffeine, alcohol or any other intoxicating substance are essentials during summer months. According to Sidhwani, developing a sense of routine and being mindful of what is causing irritation, frustration, panic attacks and anger episodes is fundamental to protecting mental health.

"To know your body well and what affects it requires self-compassion. Be mindful, don't be aggressive towards your body and develop a flexible mindset. This will help you identify the triggers and with that awareness, comes acceptance and change," says Sidhwani.

While self-awareness is the initial step towards taking care of mental health, Kedar adds it is important to communicate your concerns to a mental health professional, who would help you identify obvious triggers and further reduce the likelihood of recurrence.