Could it be Summertime SAD?

I can most definitely relate to you on this.

My first round of major depression occurred at 19 ( just a few days into June )

I would have " gone there " anyway but it seems that in summer there is

really " nowhere to hide ". And that is what I wanted to do... and did , for a nice

9 month stretch. 

However the following summer I was in the midst an approximately 5 month hypomania

and of course thought summer was fantastic. ( Any season seems OK " during " ).

It is interesting that you used the term hiding.

Just prior to logging in I was thinking about not only myself but other people I know

with BP , who tell me of there symptoms and experiences. The common psychological thread is an issue of hiding from something. Some trauma or perhaps a prolonged exposure to something highly stressful. We don't want to face whatever it is.

( Or at least the feelings associated with it )

We may not even be sure what specifically " it " is but we do know we want the feelings created to go away.

Getting back to the summer thing.

The overstimulation that you mention I think plays a big part.

Particularly if we are in a vulnerable state.

Recently I have been wearing my " shades " when going to the grocercy store or ANY store for that matter with those unfriendly flourescent lights.

This has made the shopping experience more tolerable and somehow even reduces that little " comparitive " thinking that occurs because everything gets toned down.

I think a lot of us have some light sensitivity to some degree.

There are other issues with summer.

If in fact we do want to calm things down the long daylight hours can be a psychological factor. It's hard to not feel guilty for wanting to wind down before the sun is all the way down.

I do really like dusk in the summer during any mood .

It is a great time to get out for a walk or any other outdoor thing you may want to do.

Very calming. The activity level is slower all around and the lower light is nice too.

Take care and do what works for you !

Here is Michigan our seasons are much like yours.  The difficult time of year for me is just after Xmas, January and into February.  During the holidays there is always lots going on and I'm somewhat manicky (or high norm).  With January comes the letdown.  Plus the weather gets gloomy and stays that way, for the most part, until March.  It has it's negative effect on me.

And what is it about the sunglasses?  As 1whocares stated, it must have something to do with sensitivity to light for depressives.  I find comfort in sunglasses when depressed - even been known to wear them around the house at night. 

Judy