Spring symbolizes blooming flowers, sunshine, hope, and a renewed sense of energy and optimism. But for a few, this season can bring unexpected problems in mental health. Usually, it is the winters that are associated with winter blues or depression and spring signifies getting better. However, that is not the case since spring has the highest rate of suicides.
The major reason why the mental health of some people is impacted in springs is due to the change. For some change can mean excitement whereas for some it means
Seasonal depression is also called seasonal affective disorder and it involves symptoms that change with the season change. It is more prevalent in the winter and gets better with spring. But sometimes it is the opposite where the mental health gets worse in the spring and summer. It is called the Reverse SAD. It is most common in ages 18 to 30 and happens in women four times more than in men. Let’s look at some reasons that can lead to declining mental health during the season of growth and hope.
Reasons For Bad Mental Health During Spring –
- With spring comes an increase in the length of sunlight and it can impact the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm affects the sleep cycles, energy, and mood.
- Melatonin, the hormone is also involved in dealing with mood fluctuations and is also important in sleep cycles. A sudden increase in sunlight leads to less melatonin and then less sleep which can worsen mental health.
- Another important hormone is Serotonin which increases with seasonal change however too much of this hormone is also not good.
- Bright days can put the brain on high alert therefore making it difficult to relax.
- Spring allergies are also another health issue that happens in spring which makes our immune system work twice as much. It can make the body feel exhausted and weak.
Signs To Look Out For In Seasonal Depression –
- Feeling sad and down most of the time
- Feeling sluggish
- Problem in concentrating
- Overeating and weight gain
- Poor appetite
- Anxiety
- Sleeping too much
- Increased irritability
People already having bipolar disorder are at a risk of having seasonal depression. And in some bipolar patients, manic episodes can be linked to spring
Tips To Improve Mental Health –
- Make time for your loved ones.
- Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
- Find new hobbies.
- Maintain a healthy diet and go for food that improves brain health.
- Schedule me time and unwind from the tough time.
- Keep a gratitude journal.
- Form a routine to make it easy to go through the day.
- Prioritize your sleep – aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep.
- Go out for a walk – exercising or going out for walks releases endorphins which are natural mood boosters.
- Recognize the negative thought patterns
- Green Tea has L-Theanine can help relieve anger and relax.
- Chewing gum is an easy way to reduce stress and lowering cortisol levels.
- Taking a spoonful of honey can reduce inflammation and fight anxiety.
- Meditation and deep breathing is very effective in reducing the stress.
- Don’t hesitate to seek support. Talk to a therapist.
- Learn to say no and prioritize your well-being.
Probiotics and Stress –
Probiotics can help in improving mental health. It sounds farfetched but studies have proven that some strains of good bacteria can protect the brain from the damage caused by stress. The use of probiotic gummies in improving mental health is called Psychobiotics. Arechar Nutra’s Vitagoli is one of the promising Probiotic Gummies For Women which improves your mood along with your gut and vaginal health. The gummies contain Bacillus coagulans which makes your gut happy by improving the digestion and gut flora. It reduces the signs of gas, constipation, and bloating. Vitagoli contains Chicory extract as the prebiotics and it functions as the food source of good bacteria thereby promoting its growth.
Algal DHA is another vital component of the gummies and it improves brain health and memory. The gummies help in full body detox and can improve cognitive functioning as well. Other notable components of the gummies are Cranberry extract and apple cider vinegar. Cranberry extract can help in reducing urinary tract infections and the latter component helps in weight management and reducing stomach infections. The probiotic gummies can be your one-stop solution to better health.
Summing Up
Spring is the season of changes and it is okay to face some difficulties. Increases in daylight, hormonal imbalances, and seasonal allergies can all lead to seasonal depression. You can take control of your mental health again by following the given self-care tips based on your preference. If you need support with mental health don’t be scared to reach out. By knowing yourself better and making mindful changes you can embrace the season and blossom along with it.
