What is Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Introduction

Many of us, especially in the Pacific Northwest, understand the feeling of our moods changing with the weather. It’s common for friends, family, and colleagues to rejoice when the sun comes out after a winter full of rain and clouds. It can be draining to feel the constant presence of cloudy skies, but for some, it becomes a blanket of comfort and a climate in which they feel energized. For these individuals, the warmer, sunnier months can become oppressive as it breaks the routine that their body and mind have become accustomed to. This is known as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder (RSAD). 

So What Is RSAD?

According to Psychology Today, RSAD is an annual onset of depressive feelings that come with warm, sunny weather, and longer hours of the day spent in sunlight. Leading theories state that a major cause for this could be the effect of sunlight disrupting one’s natural circadian rhythm, causing less sleep, and a cascade of psychological and physiological effects that follow. Unfortunately, there is a limited amount of research that has been done on RSAD as opposed to its counterpart which generally affects a larger number of people and occurs in colder months of the year. 


Symptoms and Characteristics

  • Loss of appetite

  • Sudden, unexplained weight loss

  • Insomnia 

  • Mood swings/irritability 

  • Increased feelings of anxiety 

  • Loss of interest and concentration 

  • Melancholic feelings 

  • Digestive issues/distress

  • Feelings of mania 

  • Agitation in high temperatures 

How to Help Yourself and Others

Whether or not you experience RSAD, maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise routine will be overall beneficial to your mental health. Be wary of health trends and “nutrition” influencers, seek information from a licensed nutritionist or your doctor, and most importantly, listen to your body. Maintaining this consistency will help carry you through times when RSAD may have its highest impact (summertime). According to research done by Dr. Leslie E. Korn, there are certain essential things to keep in mind when nurturing your body: 

  • Stay away from chemical preservatives and additives: these have been linked to numerous health issues, most predominantly difficulties with mood regulation and hormone imbalances. 

  • Mental health struggles are often linked to digestive distress. Take care of your ‘second brain’ (i.e. your gut). 

  • Remember no single diet is right for everybody 

When experiencing RSAD, limiting exposure to sunlight and summer allergies can have a positive effect, and lessen symptoms. Aim to exercise indoors, in the shade, and in a non-stressful environment. Oftentimes summer plans with friends and family will take place outside in the warmth. If certain obligations feel overwhelming or oppressive, take a minute to consider if they will worsen the situation. If you do not feel comfortable communicating your concerns and needs to the people you are socially engaged with, step back. It is okay to put your mental health first. 

Finally, find someone you feel comfortable talking to, and who is comfortable listening to you. This may be a close friend, partner, family member, or mental health professional. There is no one ‘right’ way to help symptoms of RSAD. Listen to your body and your mind. It is okay to adjust your routine, find someone to talk to, and put yourself first so you feel balanced. 

If your loved one experiences the effects of RSAD, be open to the possibility that some plans may need to be adjusted, and they may need to lean on you, or contrarily, they may need more space than usual. While this is stereotypical, communication is truly key. 

You are not alone. You are loved. There will always be someone who understands. 

Rowan Soeiro