For millions of people trying to get home tonight after another blazing hot day, the searing 37C heat brought yet more stress: the prospect of train delays and cancellations. It was the third day of record June temperatures across Britain, with severe thunderstorms already affecting northern parts of the country. Temperatures are unlikely to cool down significantly until Sunday, meaning continued disruption from hospital services to workplace logistics.
But as the sweltering conditions persist, concern is mounting about a less visible toll. UK Google searches for ‘seasonal affective disorder’ have soared by 285% over the past 24 hours, demonstrating increasing public alarm about the effects of extreme heat on mental health.
“Record 37C June heat for third day sparks 285% surge in searches for seasonal affective disorder”
Dr Corné Hurter, Medical Director for Services and Delivery at AXA Health insurance, has called on the nation to identify the key signs and symptoms of ‘summer SAD’. Extreme heatwaves and elevated humidity are acknowledged as major factors contributing to summer seasonal affective disorder. While it is less prevalent than winter depression, roughly 10% of individuals with seasonal mood disorders suffer from the summer variant.
Although the precise cause remains unclear, the condition is closely associated with sunlight exposure. During the summer months, SAD can be activated through intense heat, social expectations to remain active, disturbed sleep and daily patterns, alongside physiological stress, changes in brain chemistry, and physical restriction.
“While summer SAD is less common than its winter counterpart,” Dr Hurter said, “prolonged periods of hot weather can affect mental wellbeing in a number of ways. Heat can disrupt sleep, increase physical stress on the body and interfere with normal daily routines, all of which may contribute to symptoms associated with summer SAD in some individuals.”
The NHS describes SAD as a form of depression, with treatments encompassing antidepressants, talking therapies and light therapy. Its guidance states: “The main symptom of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that happens in the winter and goes away in the summer. Some people have depression symptoms in summer instead, but this is less common.”
Dr Hurter has identified the primary symptoms to watch for during summer. Heightened emotions: “Individuals with SAD often experience stronger emotional reactions, feeling more tearful, irritable, anxious or angrier than usual. Their language and thoughts may be more negative, reflecting feelings of despair, worthlessness, or guilt.” Decreased energy levels: “People suffering from SAD often struggle to get out of bed in the morning and feel unusually lethargic throughout the day. This can be due to the heat disrupting our sleep at night. Even routine tasks may feel exhausting.”
As the UK bakes in record-breaking heat, the mental health impact is becoming as urgent as the physical.