Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder: Why The Good Weather Can Make You Feel Bad

While many people find the better weather gives them an energy and mood boost, for some, the sunny summer weather has the opposite effect.

Known as 'reverse SAD', or 'summer SAD' - it is similar to the seasonal affective disorder that people suffer in the winter (where the shorter, darker days leave them feeling depressed).

Symptoms of summer SAD include agitation, anxiety, irritability, problems sleeping, loss of appetite and weight. The exact causes are unknown but experts theorise allergies or disrupted sleep patterns could contribute to summer SAD.

According to the mental health charity Mind's website: 'Most people experience SAD during the winter. Less commonly, some people find they experience SAD in reverse – with depressive symptoms occurring in summer.

'SAD is most common in countries like the UK where there are large changes in the weather and daylight hours in the different seasons.

'If you experience symptoms in reverse, they may begin around March and continue into the autumn.'

If you are coping with seasonal affective disorder you can download Mind's guide to SAD here, or speak to your GP.