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Privacy NoticeDark days, terrible weather and post-Christmas bills – is it any wonder many of us feel blue at this time of year? Of course we’ve all heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs typically during autumn and winter months when daylight hours decrease. But while the condition affects around two million people in the UK – including singer Adele and Gardeners’ World’s Monty Don, who has spoken out on the benefits of using light therapy – did you know there is a summer version of SAD? Affecting just 10% of all SAD cases, those with the disorder actively welcome these colder, darker days – even experiencing appetite loss and insomnia during summer months. Unlike winter SAD, those who suffer in the middle of the year find their brain struggling with too much light exposure. According to Dr Tom MacLaren, a consultant psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health, many people find a unique allure in winter – sometimes also referred to unofficially as reverse SAD.
There’s an unofficial new term for enjoying winter more than summer – reverse SAD
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“The crisp air, glistening snow, wrapping up warm in coats and the cosy ambience of snuggling up by the fireplace bring a sense of comfort. The season fosters a spirit of togetherness and joy, which can positively impact mental wellbeing. Winter activities like ice skating, skiing, winter walks or simply enjoying a warm drink in front of the fire can contribute to a sense of pleasure and relaxation,” he explained. Winter also offers “unique opportunities for self-reflection” and a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature. Tansy Jane Dowman, a forest bathing guide and outdoor life coach admits that she appreciates winter as a period for introspection and self-restoration. “Winter grants permission to let go and slow down, aligning with the natural world’s rhythm. I’m fully aware that spring will return with new potential and growth.”
Ann Low feels more like herself and far more comfortable during colder, darker months
(Image: Ann Low)
Ann Low, 43, lives in Liverpool with wife Lyn, 51, and their two dogs and two cats. She feels better mentally and physically during the winter months. “I genuinely do less in winter than in summer, I say no to more things and if I want to go to bed early, then I do – all things that the warmer months make me feel are unacceptable. “It’s all very nourishing if you’re not in conflict with it. I think there’s also something about the season of your own life. When we’re born I feel we’re in the spring of our life, for the next 20 years or so it’s summer, and now I’m embracing the calmer autumn with winter to come. I feel comfortable in this period – there’s so much beauty. “In the UK specifically, we live cyclically – we get seasons. If you look out into nature, we see that everything goes to sleep in the winter and animals hibernate. We don’t call that ‘sad’. We accept that animals and nature behave differently in the winter. Humans are expected to stay the same all year round but we’re not. Our bodies want to rest, recover, eat more and luxuriate, too. “Summer brings a lot of unspoken societal pressure – the whole beach body and losing weight expectation. I’m an introvert and enjoy my own company – the darker nights and indoors are good for my mental health. I’m also perimenopausal and have realised how much hot weather makes me uncomfortable. “I have a big imagination and feel at my best without pressure and in my own thoughts at home. Summer brings out the seeker in me – out and about but ultimately seeking what I already have; the contentment of my marriage and a peace of mind that winter allows me. “If we didn’t have winter we wouldn’t have the flourish of spring – we need the balance.”
There are lots of reasons why winter might feel more appealing to you than warmer months
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Reasons you might experience ‘reverse SAD’ and feel more comfortable in winter 1. POLLEN An increase in pollen may also contribute to summer Seasonal Affective Disorder. Pollen can trigger inflammation in the body, which has been linked to worsening mood and depression. Pollen has also been linked to increased depressive symptoms, making summer a challenging time for those suffering with allergies. 2. LACK OF ROUTINE People with depression often find that routine helps them cope with symptoms but in summer, our routines are often disrupted. This may be due to holidays, more frequent socialising, and breaks from school or university. Eating and sleeping habits are also often affected which, for those who benefit from routine, can be impactful. 3. BODY IMAGE ISSUES With warmer temperatures, we tend to wear clothes that show our bodies more. For people struggling with self-esteem and body image issues, this can cause anxiety and self-consciousness. They may want to start avoiding social events to hide their bodies, resulting in them feeling worse about their appearance. 4. THE HEAT ITSELF Some people are especially sensitive to heat and humidity. This means that in summer, they may feel physically uncomfortable and irritated. As well as this, people may avoid leaving their homes to stay out of the heat or avoid exercise and order takeaways because it’s too hot to cook. This isolation and less healthy choices may lead to summer SAD. 5. DISRUPTED CIRCADIAN RHYTHM The clocks going forward and longer, brighter summer days can affect sleep patterns and disrupt your body’s internal clock. Too much sunlight can also limit melatonin production, affecting your sleep/wake cycle. This disruption in the circadian rhythm can cause sleep disturbances, impacting your mood and overall wellbeing. Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnReal LifeHealth
