When we think of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), most of us picture the colder months, with long nights and shorter days contributing to feelings of depression and low energy. However, did you know that warmer weather can also bring about its own set of mental health challenges, including seasonal depression and anxiety? It’s true, and research shows that nearly 10% of people experience what some experts term "reverse SAD," which occurs in the spring and summer months. This phenomenon is often overlooked but can be just as impactful as the winter blues (Levitan, 2019).
So, why does warmer weather trigger these feelings? The answer lies in context—the way our brains process and react to changes in our environment. There are biological factors at play, as well as deeper psychological associations. For some individuals, the transition into spring and summer can feel like a triggering event, leading to an increase in anxiety, depression, and a sense of restlessness.
One important factor to consider is genetics. Certain genes predispose individuals to conditions such as anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders. When the context changes—like the shift into warmer weather—their predisposition is activated. This triggers feelings of unease and discomfort that are often hard to explain (Kennedy et al., 2009).
Beyond biology, psychological factors also contribute to seasonal depression and anxiety. Many people have associations in their minds that tie certain seasons to painful or traumatic experiences. For example, if someone experienced a loss, relationship breakdown, or emotional turmoil during the spring or summer months, their brain may become conditioned to associate these warmer seasons with those past events. As the weather changes, the mind may start preparing for the same emotional pain or sense of threat it remembers from previous years (McEwen, 2006).
This association can create a heightened sense of anxiety, especially when the mind becomes fixated on the fear of repeating past experiences. The season itself doesn’t necessarily cause the distress—it’s the brain's conditioned response to the change in weather that triggers it (Schwabe et al., 2013).
As we transition into the warmer seasons, there is often an underlying pressure to meet certain societal expectations. Spring and summer are times of renewal, growth, and activity, and this can create anxiety for people who feel they should be improving in areas such as body image, career progress, or relationships.
For example, the idea of "summer bodies" can lead to body image concerns, where someone may feel inadequate or self-conscious about their appearance. Social media only exacerbates this pressure, promoting unrealistic standards and leaving many individuals feeling like they haven’t achieved enough as the warmer months approach (Grabe et al., 2008).
In addition to body image, the changing of seasons can also prompt reflections on goals, particularly as we reach the halfway point of the year. It’s easy to start feeling the weight of unachieved goals in areas such as career advancement or personal relationships. For instance, someone might feel anxious about not meeting the career milestones they set for themselves in January, or they may feel insecure about their relationship status as summer approaches, a time often associated with socializing and vacations (Markman et al., 2010).
At JK Counseling, we recognize the complex nature of these seasonal transitions and provide a range of interventions tailored to support you through them. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, or feelings of overwhelm during the warmer months, we offer compassionate care that integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches.
Some interventions we provide include:
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the challenges that come with seasonal transitions, know that you don't have to navigate it alone. At JK Counseling, we offer support for individuals dealing with seasonal depression, anxiety, or any other mental health concerns. Our dedicated team works with a variety of insurance options, including in-network providers like Aetna and Northwell Direct, as well as out-of-network providers such as United Healthcare (UHC), Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), and Cigna.
Your mental health matters, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're struggling with seasonal changes or long-term emotional concerns, we’re just a call away.
Let's work together to help you embrace the changing seasons with confidence and peace of mind.
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Kennedy, J. L., et al. (2009). The genetics of affective and anxiety disorders. Biological Psychiatry, 66(7), 466-473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.04.021
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