By reducing the amount of melatonin you produce, increased sunlight exposure can therefore disrupt your circadian rhythm and your ability to sleep, both of which can, in turn, affect your mood.

However, this isn’t the only reason why experts believe some people experience summer SAD: non-biological factors such as financial stress triggered by the expense of summer, disrupted schedules due to vacations and time away from work and body image issues are all thought to play a role.

Indeed, as Stephen Buckley, head of information at the mental health charity Mind, previously told Patient: “Lots of people find body image worries are heightened in summer, especially for people who are unhappy with their weight, size or have scars from self-harming, for example.”

How to cope with spring and summer SAD

Dealing with SAD at a time of year when everyone around you is having fun and enjoying the weather can be pretty tough. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and there are things that can be done to ease your symptoms – many of which you can do yourself, at home.

Make a dark space

If the early mornings and late evenings are making it hard for you to sleep, or you just want somewhere to decompress, you could try creating a dark space for yourself.

“Instead of light therapy, people who have summer SAD may be advised to spend more time in darkened rooms,” Jury explains. “Line your windows with blackout curtains to block out that early morning light.”

Reverse SAD: does warmer weather make you feel a bit... miserable? It could be seasonal affective disorder