While Thailand welcomes summer as a season filled with holidays, vibrant festivals, and beach escapes, for some, the long, sun-soaked days can bring unexpected emotional struggles. Recent coverage by The Weather Network has spotlighted a phenomenon called “Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder” (Reverse SAD), which sees symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia spike not during the chilly months but in the heart of summer’s blazing heat (The Weather Network). This emerging mental health condition challenges the common belief that mood dips are only tied to dreary, winter days. For countries like Thailand, where the sun blazes far more often than it hides, understanding Reverse SAD is particularly relevant as climate shifts make our summers hotter and longer.
The significance of this issue for Thai readers can’t be overstated. Traditionally, most Thais associate depression linked to weather changes—known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—with gloomy, rainy days or the rare cool periods. Yet Reverse SAD, also labeled as summer-onset SAD by psychiatrists, turns this model on its head. This subtype of SAD is recognized in the mental health literature as a specific kind of depression that emerges as days become longer and hotter (HuffPost). Symptoms typically include increased anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, agitation, and—in some cases—a loss of appetite. These manifestations may seem counterintuitive in Thailand’s festival-filled summers, but they are just as real and pressing as the “winter blues” often discussed in Western contexts.
Scientifically, Reverse SAD occupies a somewhat under-researched corner of psychiatric study. Most clinical and brain research has traditionally focused on the winter variant, but new attention is being paid to how longer daylight hours and high heat can disrupt the circadian rhythms and neurotransmitter balances that govern our mood. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, SAD is now classified as a specifier (“with seasonal pattern”) within recurrent major depressive disorder rather than a standalone condition (NIMH). This includes both the winter and summer presentations. Recent case reports, such as one published on PMC, highlight the importance of recognizing Reverse SAD, especially in warmer climates closer to the equator, such as Thailand, Pakistan, and India (NIH/PMC).
The prevalence of Reverse SAD is still unclear, largely because many people and healthcare providers are more likely to suspect depression during rainy or cooler seasons. However, experts suggest it may be more common than previously thought. Psychiatric specialists note that summer-pattern SAD accounts for about 10% of all SAD cases, yet this number may be an underestimation, especially in countries like Thailand where summer conditions prevail most of the year (Grow Therapy). Interviews with psychiatrists shared by HuffPost shed additional light, emphasizing that higher body temperatures, disrupted sleep due to longer daylight, and increased social expectations can all contribute to summer depression. One board-certified psychiatrist described it succinctly: “People with summer-pattern SAD often feel overwhelmed by the heat, the glare, and the busy social calendar. It can feel alienating in a society that expects joy and exuberance during the hot months.”
On a biological level, researchers are working to uncover why Reverse SAD occurs. While many of the mechanisms behind classic winter SAD involve lack of sunlight leading to drops in serotonin and melatonin imbalances, the reverse form likely stems from too much sun, heat stress, and altered daily rhythms. Academic reviews published on PubMed indicate that increased sunlight and heat can disrupt the regulation of body temperature, decrease deep sleep, and elevate levels of cortisol—the body’s stress hormone. This, in turn, can make people more prone to irritability and sleep disturbances (PubMed). Another key difference: those with Reverse SAD often suffer from insomnia and poor appetite, while those with winter SAD tend toward hypersomnia (sleeping too much) and increased eating (Bustle).
For Thailand, the implications are profound. The hot season in much of the country stretches from March through October, with daily temperatures exceeding 35°C and humidity levels that only add to physical discomfort. Thai researchers and doctors have begun noticing a steady increase in patients reporting symptoms like sleeplessness, agitation, and dietary changes during prolonged heatwaves—symptoms that can easily be overlooked or misattributed to stress or lifestyle. A psychiatrist in Bangkok summarized, “Our culture celebrates summer with Songkran and family holidays, and society expects everyone to be happy. When someone feels down during this period, they are less likely to seek help for what they fear others won’t understand. Greater awareness of Reverse SAD could change that.”
Thailand’s long celebration of sunlight and brightness, from the water-throwing traditions of Songkran to exuberant beach culture, is deeply woven into the national identity. Yet these social and cultural forces may complicate recognition and treatment of seasonal mood disorders. In rural regions, where air conditioning and cooling infrastructure are limited, heat-related distress could easily be compounded by environmental and economic pressures. According to a case study referenced by Clinical Advisor, Reverse SAD has been observed in tropical regions and is not simply “all in the head” (Clinical Advisor). Instead, it represents a real, physiological reaction to environmental extremes.
Looking forward, Thailand faces climate trends that will only increase the relevance of Reverse SAD. Data from the Thai Meteorological Department notes that average annual temperatures have been rising steadily, with heatwaves growing in duration and intensity. Public health officials warn that both physical and psychological effects of extreme heat must be managed as part of Thailand’s national mental health strategy. Current research is exploring interventions that could help: staying hydrated, limiting outdoor exposure in peak sunlight, using blackout curtains to reduce light exposure indoors, and adopting regular sleep routines despite the late-setting sun. For more severe cases, psychiatrists may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy or, in some instances, carefully managed medication. It is essential that affected individuals are not dismissed or told to simply “cheer up”—especially as Thai cultural norms place high value on public displays of happiness and emotional control.
International perspectives support these Thai findings. While the U.S. CDC has questioned the strict seasonal-linkage of depression in some populations (Wikipedia), it’s clear that climate and latitude play a role in rates and types of SAD experienced globally. In Scandinavia and North America, the focus has traditionally been on “winter blues,” but in countries with longer, harsher summers, the opposite pattern is receiving more attention. New research is even considering the impact of rising global temperatures due to climate change on the mental health outlook for tropical and subtropical populations.
What should Thai readers do if they suspect they or someone they love might be affected by Reverse SAD? First, recognize that you are not alone, and these feelings are not a sign of weakness or lack of gratitude. Start by keeping a mood and sleep diary to track any correlations between hot weather and mood changes. Seek support from family, friends, or mental health professionals. Cooling strategies—both physical and social—can help, from regular cool showers to seeking shaded spaces and pacing summertime obligations. Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider for professional advice if symptoms persist, especially as early recognition and intervention can prevent mild symptoms from deepening into major depression. Public health campaigns and workplaces should also provide more robust awareness, screening, and flexible accommodations during the hot months.
As Thailand moves deeper into the era of climate extremes, the psychological effects of our weather cannot be ignored. Breaking down the stigma surrounding summer depression will help more Thais seek the care they deserve, ensuring that “summertime sadness” is met with understanding, support, and real solutions. For more information about SAD and resources for help, visit publications from the National Institute of Mental Health, or consult online guides from local health organizations.