Sun light is commonly perceived to be the antidote to depression and suicidal tendencies, but a recent study has demonstrated that this perception is likely flawed. Rather, rates of suicide tend to increase as the number of hours of sunlight increase, the study finds.

To find this link, researchers analyzed nearly 70,000 suicides that took place in Austria from 1970 through 2010. After controlling for the effects of seasons on depression and suicide rates, a strong connection appeared. The more hours of sunlight in a day, the higher the number of suicides that occurred on or around that day.

The results shatter the common myth that suicide rates are highest in winter or holiday months. According to the CDC, the actual peak time for suicides is in the spring.

Researchers are not sure why the rates go up, but they suspect it has something to do with energy and motivation. Exposure to sunlight may increase a person’s motivation before helping to improve their mood. Similar changes have been noted in the beginning of treatment involving antidepressant medication.

Findings from the study support this assertion. Suicide rates were at their highest when people were exposed to increased sunlight up to 10 days before the suicide took place. After that, the number of suicides went down and after 14 to 60 days, the rates were at their lowest.

Suicide and depression involve myriad factors and no one thing can be pinpointed as causing a suicide to occur. Other theories include the tendency of sunlight to inhibit serotonin transmission, which has been linked to increased impulsiveness. Increased impulsiveness and motivation without an increase in mood could lead to a greater rate of suicides, the study claims.

Evidence does suggest that light therapy can be beneficial in treating depression and is a method that does not carry harmful or disruptive side effects. The study’s authors say that much more research is needed to determine just how light affects mood and suicidal tendencies.