Depression in springtime is surprisingly common. In fact, there’s more of an upswing in the occurrence of depression and suicide in spring than any other time of the year.[1] The reasons for this increase are not clear, but researchers believe disturbances to the body’s natural day/night cycle may be to partially blame.[2] As well, people who suffer from severe depression are often drained of energy and the ability to take decisive actions at the peak of their symptoms. Spring may bring just enough of a respite for a person to carry out suicide.
There’s also a lot of expectations for springtime that often don’t come through. People may expect that the change in seasons alone will lift their spirits out of winter’s gloom, and while that may be the case for some, it’s not true for everyone.
Another hypothesized cause of spring depression relates to seasonal allergies. Spring’s plentiful pollen levels can aggravate allergies in those sensitive to plant allergens. This causes a steady release of small proteins called cytokines, which cause inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation leads to “sickness behavior,” which includes excessive sleepiness, social withdrawal, a decrease in sex drive, and a loss of appetite.
Coping with Spring Depression
Here are a few tips to cope with springtime depression.
- Get 6 to 8 hours of sleep. Most adults need at least 6 hours of sleep per night, with 8 being the sweet spot for most. Sleeping less than 6 hours or more than 8 can be a sign of problems.
- Be kind to yourself. Don’t forget self-care. Make time for the things you love doing and the people you enjoy sharing time with. People often place themselves last when it comes to meeting responsibilities, guaranteeing that self-care gets left out. Make to take time for yourself, even if you have to schedule it on your calendar.
- Declutter your living environment. For many people, letting clutter accumulate can prompt stress and feelings of depression. By performing a quick pick-up routine daily, you don’t have to take a lot of time later for a big cleaning session.
- Eat healthily. Be aware of your diet. Foods high in simple carbohydrates, fat, sugar, and salt are tasty, but they promote dramatic swings in blood sugar, which harms mood.
- Seek professional assistance. If you’re getting overwhelmed, consider visiting with a mental healthcare professional. You’ll get individualized attention for your unique needs.
If your mood is tanking this spring, you don’t have to suffer silently. Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.
