Seasonal ‘Shifts’: Navigating Bipolar Disorder Through Summer and Beyond

Bipolar Disorder [1]

Shudders, right?

That seems to be the dominant response when public conversations about bipolar disorder arise, something which only underscores the importance of talking about it. This is especially true in summer, given the propensity for bipolar disorder to fluctuate with the seasons. In some people, episodes of mania may be linked to specific seasons. For example, spring and summer can bring on symptoms of mania[1] or hypomania [1], as well as anxiety, agitation, and irritability [2]. Conversely, winter is often associated with depressive episodes [1], which we will try our best to address during the colder months.

This effect of weather on bipolar disorder, depressive and manic symptoms, and episodes falls under the category of "seasonal affective disorder" (SAD). SAD [2] is a thoroughly studied condition that showcases the link between mood symptoms and seasonal changes. However, SAD is relatively unknown to much of the general population. Those who are aware of it often associate it exclusively with winter and cold weather, given its synonymous link with frigidity, melancholy, and gloominess. While this association seems logical, it is not the full truth.

Summer and even springtime can also be associated with depression, often termed 'summer depression,' [2] which includes symptoms such as trouble sleeping (insomnia), poor appetite, weight loss, agitation or anxiety, and increased irritability. As discussed in previous blogs, these exacerbations/precipitation of mood symptoms could be due to alterations in your circadian rhythm, commonly known as your ‘biological clock’. Furthermore, changes in sunlight exposure and sleep and wake times can alter melatonin production, further contributing to the fluctuating symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Therefore, If you feel your mood symptoms are acting up more than usual this time of year, it is always recommended that you seek help from your support network and consider professional help if necessary. Catching up with your psychiatrist for additional support, a dose adjustment, or simply making sense of why you feel the way you do is not only recommended but sometimes necessary.

The irony is not lost on us about how the acronym SAD might seem like a cruel joke, especially if you are encountering it for the first time. However, it can also serve as a reminder that even in times when nothing seems to be working out, finding the silver lining—a joke, a break, a chuckle, a hug, help, or an empathetic ear—can make a difference. Seeking support for yourself or offering it to someone else is part of the human experience, with or without mental health challenges. We truly believe opening conversations and engaging with what makes us uncomfortable helps break the taboos that hold us back and hence, we are committed to meeting you where you are and walking with you, one step at a time.

Happy Holidays?

Perhaps a better phrase would be Healthy Holidays to you!

See you next week as we wrap up our Mental Health and Summer Blog series, we hope you enjoyed reading the blogs as much as we enjoyed drafting them!

Here is a series of previous blog posts to help you understand bipolar disorder better:

•  https://www.healingmindsplc.com/blog/284310-what-is-bipolar-disorder Covers the basis of bipolar disorder
• https://www.healingmindsplc.com/blog/284311-what-is-bipolar-disorder-continued  Further delves into bipolar disorder as well as its associated co-morbidities
• https://www.healingmindsplc.com/blog/284312-what-is-bipolar-disorder-continued_2 Covers information about manic episodes
• https://www.healingmindsplc.com/blog/284313-what-does-bipolar-disorder-continued Covers information about hypomanic episodes
• https://www.healingmindsplc.com/blog/284315-what-is-bipolar-disorder-continued_3 Covers the treatment aspects of bipolar disorder
• https://www.healingmindsplc.com/blog/284314-what-does-bipolar-disorder-continued_2 Covers information about Major Depressive episodes

Here is a link to understand Seasonal Affective Disorder better, as well as how bipolar disorder and manic, hypomania, and depressive episodes are affected by it

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651