Mental Health and the Weather
1. Does a continuous rainy pattern lead to mental health/depression related issues? What kinds of issues/symptoms are most common?
There are a number of reasons rainy and gloomy weather can contribute to feeling down. Our behavior, as a result of the weather night actually be to blame. When the weather outside is gloomy for a prolonged period of time, it can make it more difficult to want to leave your home or office. You might just get up go straight to work and straight home, whereas if the weather is nice, you might feel more apt to linger a little longer and meet a friend for happy hour, grab dinner, or even go for a walk. All of these are mood enhancing activities that can help us feel more alive and less lonely and isolated which can then potentially lead to mental health issues.
Long rainy, gloomy days can also disrupt our sense of day and night. When the day just runs into the night, as can often feel like the case when the weather is gloomy, this can disrupt our circadian rhythms, which can again lead to mental health concerns. If you are sleeping too much or not enough, all of this can impact your mood.
Also, not getting enough sunlight can impact your mood so when there are prolonged periods of gloom, your mood can reflect that gloominess. While it might seem dark and dreary out, sometimes there can be enough UV rays that get through to stimulate your brain just enough to prevent you from falling into that moody funk.
2. Does this apply to the public at large or are there people who are more susceptible and if so, who?
Not everyone is impacted by gloominess that in the same way. Many of the Nordic countries who have long cold dark winters, actually have very high levels of happiness so we cannot necessarily equate bad weather to bad mood. If you have a family history of depression, you might want to be aware that there are things that can trigger your depression and whether MAY be one of those triggers.
3. Can earlier-than-normal repetitive gloomy weather trigger an early onset of SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder is typically associated with the change in seasons and the shorter, darker days. While gloomy weather might trigger days of feeling down, it does not necessarily equate to an earlier onset of SAD, particularly if you can still get outside and get some fresh air and maybe even a peek of sunlight.
4. For people with mild symptoms, what self-care/self-help can they do to combat symptoms brought on by persistent gloomy weather?
Bundle up and get outside in the sunshine when possible-even in the cold months, if there are days of sunshine and you can get outside, do it. Exposing your eyes and skin to the sunlight can be extremely helpful in regulating your circadian rhythms and that sunlight will feel great on a cold winter day. Sometimes that cold weather can feel invigorating and helps you feel alive.
Light therapy can become part of a morning ritual. Grab a cup of hot tea and sit in front of your light box for 30 minutes. Imagine yourself basking in the warm sun on a beach somewhere to also bring about a sense of calm. Use that time to nurture yourself, which is always great, no matter what time of the year.
Be social-In the gloomy days, not dissimilar to some animals, we tend to hibernate more which can add to feelings of sadness, isolation and loneliness. Try to make plans during the rainy gloom and if you don’t want to get dressed and go out, invite people in. Get creative. Throw a pajama party game night or movie night with your friends. Just stay connected to others.
5. At what point should people seek professional help?
If you are experiencing prolonged days of sadness, difficulty sleeping, concentrating, change in appetite, not wanting to leave your house and isolating that is a good time to seek help. If you are thinking bout seeking help, don’t wait. Oftentimes, with the help of a qualified mental health professional you can stave off depression by having someone talk through your feelings with and provide you with some tools you can begin to incorporate immediately.