Mood swings during monsoon: How does rain affect mental health? (Image: iStock)
Apart from fresh air, the pitter-patter of raindrops and a lush green landscape, the monsoon can bring with it various environmental changes that can affect mental health. The transition in weather, increased humidity and lack of sunlight for a few weeks at a time can lead to monsoon depression. Although people tend to underestimate it, Mood swings during monsoon It can be a real roller coaster. One minute you’re full of energy and enthusiasm, and the next you’re in a bad mood.
What causes mood swings during monsoon?
“Mood is influenced by multiple factors such as what we eat, drink, wear and even bad weather. Sometimes people don’t want to get out of bed or out of the house during the rainy season,” says Dr Santosh Bangar, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Gleneagles Hospitals.
Sunshine and bright mornings help refresh the mind and cheer us up for the day ahead. But during monsoon, sunlight takes a backseat, leading to mood swings. “Lack of sunlight for a prolonged period can affect mental health, leading to depression, stress and anxiety. Monsoon can limit mobility due to constant rains. Also, people may hesitate to step out, leading to isolation and feelings of loneliness,” says Dr Santosh.
However, it’s not all bad. Dr Santosh says that for some people, the monsoon can be therapeutic and help release a lot of pent-up mental baggage. “This can have positive effects on physiological health and reduce stress. The soothing, repetitive sound of torrential rain can be transformed into a relaxing experience and help one fall asleep.”
That is to say, the effects of monsoon on mental health vary from person to person.
How to combat monsoon blues?
To combat this effectively, one should practice mindfulness through meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises. You can try keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings instead of suppressing them. This can help you heal and deal effectively with seasonal depression. It is essential to stay active to keep your mind sharp and fresh. This can be achieved by engaging in fun indoor activities such as home workouts, dance, yoga, cardio, skipping rope, jumping jacks, squats, lunges, stair climbing, and suryanamaskar. “If this seasonal depression or blues persists for more than a few weeks or months, do not hesitate to seek professional help to effectively manage your symptoms,” says Dr. Santosh.
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