Everyone knows firsthand that in spring and autumn the human body is exposed to various attacks: it becomes more susceptible to infections, changes in weather conditions.
In spring and autumn, many people experience a period of exacerbation of chronic diseases – allergies, bronchitis.
Mental illness is no exception.
Seasonal exacerbations of mental disorders quite often occur with the beginning of spring.
To begin with, it is worth understanding why this type of illness enters an active phase at this time of year.
In this context, I would highlight the following reasons:
Readjustment of Biological Rhythms
During this period the body prepares itself for warming. It needs to expend a lot of energy to wake up from its winter hibernation and become active. But by this time the supply of vitamins and nutrients is used up, the nervous system is exhausted, and the immunity and resistance to illnesses is reduced. Therefore, in the spring we often feel weakness, sleepiness, and loss of mood.
Changing Weather
People who are more emotional than others react very strongly to changes in the weather. In addition, atmospheric pressure and temperature are interrelated. The higher the temperature, the lower the pressure, and vice versa. When the pressure changes, weather-sensitive people feel very keenly the adaptation of the body to the new temperature regime, the sensitivity of the nervous system increases.
Overwork
Statistics show that in the spring, people start planning their financial spending for the year. Their activity at work becomes more intense. All this leads to overwork, which does not go away even after a long sleep.
Often overwork develops into prolonged depression and stress. These mental issues are already recognized as serious enough reasons to see a psychiatrist or psychotherapist.
Poor Ecology
Air and water pollution negatively affects not only physiological but also mental health. Scientists have proven that germs, toxins and heavy metals entering the body are assiduously "eliminated" by the immune system.
But this function weakens in the spring. During the weather change, people are susceptible to various somatic diseases, including flu viruses. The body is sort of exhausted in the fight against disease, the nervous system is under tremendous stress, which can also cause depression and stress.
Although I have tried to highlight some of the reasons that might cause changes in mental health in spring, in fact, the factors can be diverse and sometimes even quite individual.
What to do if spring has brought you anxiety rather than positivity?
The right thing to do during the spring exacerbation is to engage in physical and intellectual activities.
It is necessary to occupy your body and brain: to create and get into the zone of your interests. During this period, it is important to do what you like – and enjoy it.
Spring is a good time for learning new things. The main thing is not to dwell on anxious thoughts and states. If you lack energy for activities, communicate with people you love and who love you. This will help you cope with even the most difficult psychological states and experiences during this transition period.
It is also important to consciously support yourself and bring yourself to a state of calm, treat yourself with understanding and kindness. If something does not work out, memory and concentration drops, you should not scold yourself, you need to encourage yourself, praise and support.
In the spring everyone should allow himself to see bright beautiful pictures and colors, more time to be in the sun, take walks and recuperate. Delicious food and pleasant smells around will also help.
As for people with more complicated diagnoses, the main thing is to see a qualified specialist in time. Many people are afraid to go to the doctor and try to hide their condition for as long as possible, but it only gets worse.
If you notice that with the onset of a certain season you have become emotionally unstable, it is necessary to see a specialist.