Seasonal summer depression is a mood disorder that affects 25% of Italians, especially women.

Seasonal summer depression is a mood disorder that affects 25% of Italians, especially women.

Summer is not always idyllic. It can be chaotic, too hot, even if the media deliberately doesn’t talk about abnormal temperatures, introspectively and disappointingly. Ever since Lana del Rey dropped the hit Summertime Sadness, many emotions mixed with melancholy and sadness, permeated with a sense of dissatisfaction that I felt during the warm months, finally found a soundtrack. In addition to the American singer, who is hailed by critics for “constructing melancholy” and her images from sad girl, we must be careful not to confuse sadness with depression, given that in colloquial language the two things are mistakenly the same, and that summer depression is an affective disorder recognized by the World Health Organization, which affects 25% of Italians today. We delved into the various aspects of SAD, Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder with Dr. Valeria Fiorenza Perrispsychotherapist and clinical director of Unobravo.

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1) How would you define summer depression, seasonal summer depression?

Seasonal affective disorder or SAD occurs in the form of a cyclical appearance of depressive symptoms only at certain times of the year and can become chronic. In particular, let’s talk about summer depression in the event of depressive episodes with an increase in temperature, namely in the summer. To date, much scientific research has focused precisely on what seems to be one a strong correlation between hot and humid climates and worsening symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Added to this are contextual, relational, and psychological factors that can contribute to a state of emotional distress during the summer holidays.

2) Is this seasonal affective disorder often widespread in Italy? What is his demographic? Do you have any data to provide us in this regard?

Summer depression affects predominantly female sex and is more common in people aged 35-40 years. It is estimated that up to 25% of the Italian population is subject to mood swings depending on the season. While the percentage of those who suffer from seasonal fluctuations to a much greater extent is 5%, which has important implications for daily life.

3) Is it possible to consider as trigger reasons the question “what are your plans for the summer?”, trying on a swimsuit, financial availability for a dream vacation and comparison with others, or should there be a previous situation of discomfort?

Undoubtedly, the presence of pre-existing depressive disorders is a predisposing factor and is an important prognostic element. Despite this, situational factors, such as, for example, the fear of showing your body, the stress of organizing a holiday, the inability to travel for economic or work reasons or due to the absence of fellow travelers, should not be overlooked, which can lead to feeling of deep sadness and despondency.

4) In society, seasonal depression is seen as a whim, not a real problem, and therefore, unfortunately, it is underestimated. What are the symptoms of someone with seasonal depression?

In no case should you underestimate any form of malaise associated with emotional difficulties. Seasonal depression can lead to symptoms such as lack of appetite, asthenia, insomnia, irritability, difficulty concentrating and, above all, lowering the mood.

5) How can you help a person suffering from seasonal depression or affective disorder in general?

It will no doubt be helpful to create a supportive and reassuring context in which those facing this type of difficulty can freely organize themselves based on their own pace without fear of judgment. If symptoms worsen, there is no need to delay seeking help from a specialist. In fact, the causes of psychological distress can be different and specific to each person. Taking the path of thinking about your own dynamics, the result of your own experiences and life history, is the only way to try to change them.

6) Are there chemical processes in the body that react with inhibition to temperature changes?

Physiologically, SAD is associated with a biochemical disorder. Our brain is responsible for the production of various neurotransmitters which play a critical role in regulating mood, emotions, and other bodily processes. When these neurotransmitters are in a state of imbalance, either in excess or in deficiency, they can negatively impact our emotional well-being. In summer, increased sunlight causes the body to produce less melatonin. It may affect our circadian rhythms, disrupting your normal sleep-wake cycle and making it difficult to get the amount of sleep you need. At the same time, serotonin levels in the body will rise as a natural result of longer days and sunnier weather. Short serotonin levels linked to depressionbut even excessive amounts can lead to mental health problems and cause feelings of sadness and demotivation, restlessness and irritability.

7) Is there a difference between depression and seasonal depression?

While there are many common symptoms, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or low mood, differentiates seasonal depression from depression, this is precisely the cyclical aspect associated with climatic fluctuations. It is for this reason that seasonal depression usually subsides at certain times of the year and then reappears a few months later. This aspect constitutes a significant difference between the two different diagnostic structures.

8) Does a person have to take a risk to develop it, or can it happen to anyone?

Seasonal depression appears to affect more women and people living in geographic areas where hours of sunshine are drastically reduced during certain times of the year. Also, they seem to be suffering from major depressionfrom bipolar disorder you hate other anxiety disorders may be a predisposing factor.

9) How to prevent it and take care of it?

A good solution might be to try to be prepared for situations that we know may arise in us closer to summer. stress and frustration. Thinking about our own dynamics, about the factors that influence our mood, including with the help of an expert, can be a great starting point to try to make the changes we think we need and prevent the onset of seasonal depression.

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