Depression in men is a growing public health concern, and new research is uncovering surprising factors that may contribute to it—including the season of birth. Could being born in summer increase the risk of depression later in life? A new study suggests it might, especially for males.
Study Suggests Summer Birth Increases Risk of Depression in Men
Researchers from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia, Canada, have discovered a potential link between being born during summer and a heightened risk of Published in PLOS Mental Health, the study sheds light on how season of birth may influence long-term mental well-being.
Key Findings: Summer Births and Depression in Men
The international survey involved 303 adults, who completed standardized mental health assessments. After adjusting for variables like age and income, researchers found that men born in summer were more likely to report symptoms of depression in men than those born in other seasons. Interestingly, this pattern did not hold true for women.
Mental Health and Seasonality: A Possible Prenatal Influence
Lead researcher Mikael Mokkonen noted that the study was inspired by a casual question about horoscopes, leading to the deeper inquiry into whether biological or environmental factors related to birth season could influence depression in men.
While Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is well known—especially during winter—less is known about the effects of birth timing on mental health. This study proposes that maternal exposure to environmental conditions such as sunlight and temperature during pregnancy might subtly influence fetal brain development and future emotional resilience, potentially increasing the risk of depression in men.
“Consider conditions like temperature and sunlight—how do those vary across the year?” Mokkonen asked. “These may impact the mother’s biology and in turn, the child’s future mental health.”
Depression in Men: Study Limitations and Next Steps
It’s important to interpret these findings with caution. The sample was small, data collection was brief, and many participants were college students, potentially limiting its broader applicability. Furthermore, this was a correlational study, meaning causality between summer birth and depression in men cannot be definitively established.
Still, the study raises valuable questions and encourages future exploration into how maternal health, diet, hormones, and seasonal light exposure may shape mental health outcomes in male children.
A Common Concern: Depression in Men Across All Seasons
One striking outcome was that 84% of participants—regardless of birth season—reported symptoms of depression, underscoring how prevalent depression in men is. These results reinforce the need for more inclusive and proactive mental health support.
Final Thoughts
This study offers an intriguing look at how something as uncontrollable as your birth month could relate to your mental health years later. Though early findings suggest a possible connection between summer birth and further research is needed. Regardless of when you were born, seeking help for depression is crucial to mental and emotional well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can your birth season really impact depression in men?
Yes, some research suggests a link between being born in summer and higher risks of depression in men, although more studies are needed to confirm this association.
Q2. Why are only men affected by this seasonal birth risk?
The biological differences in prenatal development between sexes might explain why summer birth affects depression in men more than in women. The exact reasons remain unclear.
Q3. Is this similar to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Not exactly. SAD is about how current seasons affect mood, while this study examines how the season of birth may influence long-term depression in men.
Q4. What can help men experiencing depression symptoms?
If you’re facing emotional distress, consult a healthcare provider. Depression in men is treatable through therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support systems.
