Summer Depression: When Sunshine Hurts

Everyone expects you to be happy in summer. The sun's shining, kids are out of school, and Instagram feeds overflow with beach photos. But for millions of Americans, summer brings the opposite of joy—it brings crushing depression.

Summer depression is real, and it affects roughly 10% of people with seasonal mood disorders. While most people know about winter depression—when short days and gray skies tank your mood—summer depression flies under the radar.

The Reverse SAD Reality

The medical term is "reverse seasonal affective disorder," and it's the evil twin of winter SAD. Instead of the sluggishness and carb cravings of winter depression, summer depression brings agitation, insomnia, and loss of appetite.

You can't sleep because it stays light until 9 PM. You can't eat because the heat kills your hunger. You feel wired but exhausted, like someone force-fed you espresso while cranking up a space heater.