Doctors in the UAE are witnessing a rise in cases of ‘summertime blues’ or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression commonly seen in individuals aged between 40 and 50 years old. The symptoms of this disorder include feelings of sadness, lack of energy, loss of interest in usual activities, oversleeping, and weight gain. Shedding light on this phenomenon, experts in the UAE mentioned that several factors contribute to summertime SAD, but it is a treatable condition. Longer daylight hours, shorter nights, and high temperatures can also cause sleep disruptions, leading to the development of SAD in some people.
Dr. Samar Sharaf, a Specialist Psychiatrist at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah, explained that seasonal affective disorder is a type of depressive disorder that occurs during certain seasons of the year. One of the reasons for SAD during summer is the reduced levels of melatonin, which can affect sleep quality and lead to symptoms of depression. Some individuals may experience a rare form of the disorder, with depression beginning in late spring or early summer and often ending in the fall. Girish Hemnani, a Dubai-based Life Coach and Energy Healer, pointed out that the intense summer heat and prolonged daylight hours in the UAE can trigger the condition, in contrast to winter SAD seen in other parts of the world.
Seasonal affective disorder is prevalent in regions where sunlight is scarce during the winter, but in the UAE, doctors explained why this phenomenon differs in the country. The extreme heat in the UAE during summer forces residents to stay indoors, depriving them of critical exposure to sunlight and fresh air, leading to health issues. Dr. Shaju George, a Specialist Psychiatrist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, noted that people in the UAE do not get adequate daylight exposure during summer due to the scorching heat, similar to winter in temperate climate countries. The symptoms of summer SAD, such as feeling low, fatigue, and craving for carbohydrate-rich foods, are seen in both men and women between 40 and 50 years old.
Doctors emphasized the importance of maintaining a minimum exposure to daylight, either in the early morning or late evening, for individuals struggling with summertime SAD. An earlier study at the University of Rochester showed that spending time in green, natural surroundings outdoors can boost physical and mental energy levels, while remaining indoors may lead to feelings of fatigue. Dr. George recommended taking supplements, including vitamin D, seeking help from clinical psychologists and psychiatrists when necessary, and considering medication if recommended by a psychiatrist. Overall, awareness and proper management of seasonal affective disorder during summertime are crucial for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
