Dr. Megan Schabbing Speaks on Seasonal Affective Disorder

OhioHealth psychiatrist Megan Schabbing speaks with ABC6’s Terri Sullivan on summertime seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also referred to as summer SAD.

While depression can be triggered during the winter by a lack of light, not much is known about summer SAD. However, Dr. Schabbing explains that this condition is a full-blown form of depression and can be debilitating.

“What we see in the seasonal affective disorder that occurs more so in the summer, or what we call the spring onset, is more of what we consider to be a typical depression,” says Dr. Schabbing.

Scientists believe that longer days and an increase in heat and humidity could trigger summer SAD in those who are prone to the seasonal disorder.

Dr. Schabbing encourages her patients who are feeling down in the summertime to get up, get going, get outside or get active in some other way. Exercise is recommended, as is pushing yourself to do something you know you enjoy, even if you don’t feel like doing it.

The doctor also recommends fighting the urge to just sit around and not do anything.

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