Most of us can agree that once the cold weather roles in and the sun roles out, our moods begin to spiral downwards.
The weather has influence on our lives for certain, but the science behind how it affects us is not quite there yet.
The feeling of the “winter blues” is common and is triggered by the lower level of natural sunlight we are exposed to in the fall and winter seasons.
Some affects can cause the following problems:
- Lower levels of serotonin, a part of the brain that regulates mood
- Changes in your body’s “internal clock”, which help control sleep-wake cycles
- Disruptions in melatonin, a hormone associated with both sleep and mood
If the change in season is affecting you in any of the ways, strongly consider reaching out and getting professional help from a psychologist or a doctor who can properly diagnose you.
Dr. David Frye from CMHA London describes the seriousness of Seasonal Affective Disorder as “a significant mood disorder with depressive symptoms that are functionally disabling.”
The diagnostic is almost identical to major depression but only occurs at about the same time each year.
Day light savings has been a controversial thing that may have contributed to affecting people’s moods.
If the change in season has got you down, try keeping active and getting outside in the sunlight as much as possible.
