Have you ever wondered why when the different seasons come around, you find yourself at a loss of motivation, feeling the difficulties of getting out of bed and finding yourself mum most times? I have often wondered, why the heavy rains and gloomy skies make me feel heavy and when winters come around, why is that the darkness and cold makes me want to cry and lie in bed all day. Well, research has it that changes in climate play a role in our well-being and we’re here to explore that today. 
 
Sunlight plays an important role in regulating our mental-well-being. During the monsoons and winter, we see a reduction in sunlight. This can cause a reduction in production of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, that helps to regulate mood. One common cause of depression is reduced serotonin levels thus leading to decreased levels of sunlight to cause changes in mood, or even depression.   
 
Reduced levels of sun exposure can also lead to Vitamin D deficiency. Low vitamin D levels are also linked to fatigue, tiredness and other symptoms of depression. If you’ve been experiencing these physical symptoms in addition to mood changes, it could also help to get your vitamin D levels checked.  
 
Another connection to changes in mood and sunlight are to do with melatonin production, the sleep hormone of the body. It helps with our circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycle. Production of melatonin increases towards dusk, meaning that with exposure to light, it reduces, Melatonin production increases in response to darkness and decreases with exposure to light. This can lead to feelings of drowsiness, lethargy and a general sense of low energy during the monsoon season. 
 
These changes in mood can be diagnosed as Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression that is linked to changes in the seasons. It is characterized by symptoms that typically begin in the fall and winter months and improve during the spring and summer. The most common symptoms of SAD include: 

Low energy and fatigue 


Difficulty concentrating 


Changes in appetite and sleep patterns 


Social withdrawal and feelings of sadness 


Loss of interest in activities 


Increased irritability and anxiety 

How can one cope through these changing seasons?   
 

We can benefit from maximizing light exposure by drawing out our curtains thereby letting natural light come.  


Taking brisk walks outdoors, to get in those happy hormones as well as some light, can be beneficial.  


Maintaining a consistent routine is also helpful so as to ensure we are getting into bed and sleeping at the same time every day. In doing so, we can also maintain a daily schedule for work and other activities.  


Find activities/hobbies that you enjoy doing. Engage in physical activity to get those hormones going.  


Eat a balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables, and proteins. Avoid sugary feeds that can lead to energy crashes and glucose spikes.  


Building a support network by connecting and staying in touch with friends and family can help alleviate of loneliness and isolation.  

While SAD is most commonly associated with winter, it can also occur during other seasons. Summer-onset SAD is less common but can manifest with symptoms such as insomnia, reduced appetite, weight loss, and anxiety. Spring depression, on the other hand, can be triggered by the longer days and warmer weather, leading to feelings of restlessness, irritability, and low mood.  
Seasonal changes can significantly impact our mood, depression, and overall well-being. Understanding the causes and symptoms of SAD and implementing coping strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve mental health. By being proactive and planning ahead, we can better manage the challenges that come with each season and maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. 
If you or somebody you know is going through something difficult and needs to get in touch with a therapist, consider reaching our ‘Support’ and ‘Engage’ verticals for affordable and inclusive help!    
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