As the weather warms up and daylight stretches longer, most people feel energized and ready for summer fun. But for some, the arrival of summer brings anxiety, irritability, and depression instead of relief. This lesser-known condition—Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder (Summer SAD)—affects a smaller percentage of people than its winter counterpart but can be just as disruptive. If you or someone you know struggles emotionally during the warmer months, understanding who is at risk, how it’s diagnosed, and how to manage it can help.
What is Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder?
While Winter SAD is linked to shorter days and less sunlight, Summer SAD (also known as Reverse SAD) is triggered by longer days, heat, and excess sunlight. Unlike Winter SAD, which often causes fatigue and oversleeping, Summer SAD can cause insomnia, increased anxiety, and restlessness. Summer SAD is more common in hotter, sunnier climates and affects 1% of the U.S. population, and more women than men. Other summer SAD symptoms often include:
- Irritability & anxiety
- Insomnia & restlessness
- Loss of appetite & weight loss
- Agitation & difficulty concentrating
- Sadness, hopelessness, or feeling overwhelmed
How is Summer SAD Diagnosed?
A mental health professional will assess symptom patterns, duration, and severity to rule out generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, or other conditions. To be diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, symptoms must:
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- Follow a seasonal pattern (reappearing in summer for at least two consecutive years)
- Resolve once the season changes
- Cause significant distress in daily life
- Not be explained by other mental health conditions
When It’s Just Summer SAD: A Patient Story
Case Study: Jessica’s Summer Anxiety
Jessica, a 29-year-old marketing consultant, dreaded summer. While others looked forward to vacations and pool days, she felt exhausted, overwhelmed, and anxious. Every June, she noticed irritability and difficulty focusing at work, struggles with sleep (waking up frequently), no appetite and unintentional weight loss. But, by September, she felt normal again. After two years of this pattern, Jessica sought help. With the following adjustments, Jessica felt more in control of her symptoms the following summer. Jessica’s secret? She followed her therapist’s guidance:
- Using blackout curtains & air conditioning to improve sleep
- Avoiding excessive sunlight & planning indoor activities
- Practicing mindfulness & relaxation techniques
When It’s NOT Just Summer SAD: A Case of Generalized Anxiety
Case Study: Tyler’s Year-Round Anxiety
Tyler, a 33-year-old teacher, also felt worse in summer—but unlike Jessica, his symptoms never fully disappeared. After a full evaluation, Tyler’s therapist diagnosed him with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) instead of Seasonal Affective Disorder because his anxiety or depression didn’t improve when the season changed. In Tyler’s case, his symptoms included:
- Chronic worry & racing thoughts, even in fall & winter
- Struggled with insomnia & irritability year-round
- Not tied to seasonal changes—felt anxious all the time
How to Manage Summer SAD
If summer months trigger your symptoms, try these strategies:
- Control Light & Heat Exposure: use blackout curtains to minimize early sunrise effects, stay cool—heat can worsen agitation, wear sunglasses outdoors
- Improve Sleep Quality: stick to a sleep routine (even on weekends), dim lights in the evening to mimic shorter days, avoid screens before bed (blue light disrupts melatonin)
- Modify Your Daily Schedule: exercise early or late to avoid heat exposure, plan indoor activities during peak sun hours, practice relaxation techniques (meditation, deep breathing)
- Seek Professional Support: therapy (CBT) can help reframe anxious thoughts, medication (in some cases) can regulate mood, consult a therapist if symptoms interfere with daily life
Final Thoughts: How to Recognize Seasonal Depression Year-Round
SAD can take different forms—some people struggle in winter, while others feel worse in summer. But what if your mood fluctuates in both seasons?
Need Help? We’re Here for You! 
At Cadenza Center, we provide personalized therapy and evidence-based treatments for all types of seasonal depression and anxiety.
