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#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – Heat Got You Down? #Summer #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder Is MORE Deadly Than #Winter #Depression, As #Suicide Rates Peak During #Spring And #Summer Months
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Heat, pollen and humidity are cited as triggers for #summer #depression
Researchers recommend cooling strategies and therapy
While #seasonalaffectivedisorder is often cited as a problem for many during the winter months, researchers have found that suicides and #mentalhealthproblems peak during summertime.
The summer version of #SAD needs more research, say scientists, as it has not received the same level of attention as its winter counterpart.
‘It certainly deserves more study, certainly deserves more concern,’ Norman Rosenthal, the #psychiatrist who first described #seasonalaffectivedisorder, has said.
In 2020 and 2021, suicides in #America peaked from May until October, dipping for the colder months, according to the #CDC.
While many people talk about suffering the effects of #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder during the cold, bitter winter months, it turns out it may be more impactful during the summertime, with #suiciderates increasing May through October
The two seasons appear to have opposing symptoms, though both result in poor moods and reduced pleasure, according to the Washington Post.
Whereas winter depressives may tend to oversleep, overeat and feel sluggish, summer depressives may feel #insomnia and have a lesser appetite.
Researchers also note that summer depressives tend to be more agitated, rather than the lethargy shown in winter depressives.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
The key to the disturbing trend may be in energy levels, according to Rosenthal, who is publishing a book on the disorder.
Those who feel suicidal during the winter may not have the energy to actually commit #suicide, whereas the agitation of summer #depression may convince people to harm themselves.
Summer depressives may blame the weather, including high pollen counts, for their feelings.
‘They say constant heat, or I can’t stand the light,’ according to Rosenthal. ‘I’ve had people say that the light kind of cuts through me like a knife, I can’t stand it. And bright light actually can predispose to mania.’
Studies showed that high pollen days often corresponded with the worst of peoples’ moods during the summer and allergies are often common in the depressed.
The key to the disturbing trend may lie in energy levels, according to Norman Rosenthal (pictured), who is publishing a book on the disorder
Those who feel suicidal during the winter may not have the energy to actually commit #suicide, whereas the agitation of summer #depression may convince people to harm themselves
Rosenthal believes that all seasonal #depression may be down to having a biological difficulty adjusting to the seasons.
‘We have these homeostatic or self-adjusting mechanisms,’ Rosenthal said. ‘But clearly in some people, they don’t work as well as in other people.’
‘Maybe it’s a shared vulnerability to a #mooddisorder and an issue with the ability to thermal regularly in response to heat and humidity,’ said Kelly Rohan, professor of psychological science at the University of Vermont.
Rohan believes that climate change may lead to higher levels of summer #depression.
‘I will make a prediction that summer #SAD certainly has increasing importance considering global warming, raising concerns regarding increased exposure to the assumed triggers heat and humidity,’ Rohan said, noting that she only started receiving questions about summer SAD recently.
‘I strongly suspect that we’re going to see more cases of this popping up.’
Researchers agree that coming up with a ‘cooling strategy’ to beat the heat, combined with seeking out therapy, could be a potential solution to seasonal #depression in the summer, though all say more research is needed.
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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