1 week ago
Monsoon Blues Can Signal Depression, Mental Health Experts Say
Rainy weather can make people feel sleepy or less energetic.
A few low days are usually normal and may pass quickly.
But feeling tired, lonely or uninterested for many weeks can be a sign of a bigger problem.
Less sunlight and staying indoors can disturb sleep and mood.
Keeping a regular wake-up time may help.
Walking, stretching or doing a favorite activity can also help.
Talking with a friend or family member may make things easier.
Vitamin D supplements should be taken only after testing and medical advice.
Anyone having thoughts of self-harm or suicide should seek professional help immediately.
Persistent tiredness, oversleeping, withdrawal and loss of interest may resemble seasonal depression symptoms.
Cloudy weather, reduced sunlight, indoor time and disrupted routines can affect sleep, energy and mood.
A temporary mood dip often improves within days, while depression can disrupt work, studies, relationships or daily routines.
Experts recommend fixed wake times, natural daylight, physical activity, regular sleep and enjoyable activities.
People feeling low, tired, disconnected or withdrawn for two weeks or longer should contact a mental health professional.
- Who
- People experiencing persistent low mood, tiredness, withdrawal or loss of interest; psychologists and psychiatrists provide the guidance.
- What
- The article explains how monsoon-related changes can contribute to low mood and describes warning signs, self-care measures and when to seek help.
- Where
- The guidance is presented in the context of monsoon weather, with experts identified in Bengaluru and Noida.
- When
- Symptoms lasting two weeks or more warrant speaking with a mental health professional; temporary mood dips may improve within a few days.
- Why
- Reduced sunlight, prolonged cloudy weather, indoor time and disrupted routines can affect the body clock, sleep, energy and mood.
Key facts
- Condition discussed
- Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, a form of depression linked to seasonal changes.
- Possible warning signs
- Sleeping much more than usual, withdrawing from people, poor concentration and losing interest in enjoyable activities.
- Duration requiring attention
- Feeling low, unusually tired, disconnected or withdrawn for two weeks or more.
- Helpful habits
- Fixed wake times, natural daylight, physical activity, regular sleep hours and enjoyable daily activities.
- Social support
- Listening, checking in and gently encouraging professional help may be more useful than telling someone to “cheer up.”
- Vitamin D advice
- Supplements should not be taken solely because someone feels low; suspected deficiency should be tested and treated on medical advice.
- Urgent help
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide require immediate professional assistance.
Quotes
Dr Ashima Ranjan
Senior Consultant in Psychiatry at Yatharth Hospital, Noida
“Warning signs can include sleeping much more than usual, withdrawing from people, struggling to concentrate or losing interest in things you normally look forward to. And depression doesn’t always look like sadness.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Waking up at a fixed time, getting natural daylight whenever possible, staying physically active and maintaining regular sleep hours help regulate mood.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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