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Researchers say all the sunshine most have enjoyed can cause depression much like winter seasonal affective disorder. (AP Photo/File)

Depressed? It could be all the sunshine

BY Josh Kerns  on October 9, 2012 @ 12:30 pm (Updated: 2:41 pm - 10/9/12 )

With just four hours of rain total since July 22, Western Washington has enjoyed a virtually unprecedented run of sunny weather. But not everyone's happy about it. Just as our persistent grey can cause seasonal affective disorder, experts say too much sunshine can also cause depression.

Doctors say summer depression only affects about one percent of the population, who tend to sleep and eat less, lose weight and generally experience a heightened state of agitation, NBC News reports.

Dr. Norman Rosenthal, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical School, says summer depression was first recognized back in 1986. He says while first thought to be tied to heat and humidity, it's also believed to be caused by excessive light that can cause problems with some people's circadian rhythms.

Dr. Alfred Lewy, a professor of psychiatry at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, says he's been successful treating some patients with the hormone melatonin, which can trick the body's natural cycles into getting back in sync with the sun.

"I can't tell you have many people have told me that the incessant sun and warmth is getting them down, making them feel anxious or depressed," says University of Washington meteorologist and Northwest weather guru Cliff Mass in a post on his blog.

But Mass says those who suffer from too much sun can rest easy. He's forecasting a heavy wave of rain to move into Western Washington by the weekend, bringing up to five inches in the Cascades and Olympics by Saturday night.

"Our dry spell will end in a bang, if not a flood," Mass writes.

Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter
Josh Kerns is co-host of KIRO Radio's Seattle Sounds (Saturday nights 7-8) and a digital content producer for MyNorthwest.com.
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Comments (17)


  • Add A Comment

  • Snout wrote...
    I'm not happy,
    October 9, 2012 3:38 pm
    You're not supposed to ALWAYS be happy. It's always something for some people though. Whaa, it's too sunny. Whaa, it's too cloudy. Whaa, my parents didn't love me enough. Whaa, my parents smothered me. Whaa, something someone said offended me. Whaa, I don't like my job. Whaa, I can't find a job. Whaa, whaa, where's my Obama phone, food stamps, and 30 year unemployment check? Or as I like to call these things pacifiers for adult children. Whaa, it isn't enough. Take out the binky and grow up! Welcome to Washington. Or "Say Whaaa!"
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • soo purletiv wrote...
    Dude in the middle with the over coat,
    October 9, 2012 4:47 pm
    on the main page photo for this article.

    What in the world is he doing? ;-)

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    just what it looks like
    October 9, 2012 5:19 pm
    and he better hope his wife doesn't recognize the over coat.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    Only in Seattle
    October 9, 2012 5:31 pm
    Couple people actually become depressed because the SUN is SHINING! Seriously! LMAOF! What a bunch of weenies...explains clearly the high concentration of Liberals!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • MissWahoo wrote...
    Sick of hearing TV anchors call this weather 'nice'
    October 9, 2012 6:11 pm
    I'm glad to hear someone finally talking about summer Seasonal Affective Disorder. This cooler weather means the chance of uncomfortable days are almost over, finally. It's unfortunate that the majority of people who post here are making fun of people who suffer from this very real condition.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    Miss Wahoo
    October 9, 2012 7:51 pm
    That made me laugh. Thank you whoever you are! I sincerely wish you a speedy recovery over the next 11 months....
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }