Stating that spring depression negatively affects people during seasonal transitions, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Melike Akpınar Kadıoğlu said, “If the person has difficulty in continuing his daily life, if he cannot maintain his functionality, if he has difficulty in fulfilling the responsibilities of daily life, if he withdraws from the social environment, if he cannot control the deterioration in sleep and appetite, it is recommended to get support.”
Specialist Clinical Psychologist Melike Akpınar Kadıoğlu from VM Medical Park Pendik Hospital warned about spring depression, which is common during the seasonal transition. Speaking about what spring depression is, Uzm. Klnk. Psk. Kadıoğlu said, “Seasonal depression, which is one of the subtypes of major depression, is also popularly known as spring depression. It is a mood disorder that occurs in the fall and winter months and decreases or disappears with the arrival of spring and summer. With the end of summer, shorter days, less daylight and going to school/work in the dark affect the human body in many ways. Research shows that daylight has physiological, psychological and hormonal effects on the human body. Our view of the world is proportional to our emotions. Weather temperature has many effects on people. Cloudy or rainy weather can trigger a more pessimistic mood in some people. The reason why it is defined as seasonal depression is that depressive episodes develop and end depending on the season.”
“Beware if depressive episodes recur in the same season”
Stating that attention should be paid to recurrent complaints in the same seasons, Uzm. Klnk. Psk. Kadıoğlu said, “The main point to be considered when defining spring depression is that depressive episodes are experienced repeatedly in the same season and the mood of the person is completely improved in other months.”
“There may be withdrawal from social relationships”
Uzm. Klnk. Psk. Kadıoğlu listed the symptoms that can be seen in spring depression as follows:
“Disruptions in sleep patterns (sleeping more than usual or not sleeping at all).
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, hopelessness, irritability, pessimism.
Withdrawal from social relationships.
Appetite disturbances (eating more than usual or loss of appetite).
Difficulty focusing and maintaining attention.
Loss of interest in things that normally arouse interest.
Decreased sexual desire.
Fatigue, loss of energy, unwillingness to take action and withdrawal.
Symptoms such as drowsiness can be observed.”
“The same symptoms need to recur for 2 years for diagnosis”
Referring to the diagnosis process, Uzm. Klnk. Psk. Kadıoğlu said, “In order for a depressive disorder to be defined as seasonal depression, the above symptoms should continue for several months in the same season for at least 2 years in a row, and in other seasons, the person should be completely recovered and all symptoms should have improved. The gender-specific incidence rate of seasonal depression is higher in women than in men, as in other types of depression.”
“Recommendations to overcome spring depression”
Uzm. Klnk. Psk. Kadıoğlu made the following suggestions to cope with spring depression: “Studies have shown that low serotonin in the body has an effect on depression. An increase in the serotonin level of the body exposed to sunlight is observed. Therefore, making programs that will definitely benefit from sunlight on sunny days, working in bright environments, choosing sunnier places if you plan to travel, being a part of social life, doing physical activities, taking up new hobbies, paying attention to sleep patterns, avoiding negative content are some of the methods that can be used to cope with seasonal depression. Apart from this, they can benefit from pharmacological treatment and psychotherapy given by mental health experts.”
“If disturbances in sleep and appetite cannot be controlled, support should be sought”
Drawing attention to the situations in which individuals should seek support from specialists, Uzm. Klnk. Psk. Kadıoğlu said, “If the person has difficulty in continuing his daily life, if he cannot maintain his functionality, if he has difficulty in following and fulfilling the responsibilities of daily life, if he has withdrawn from the social environment, if he cannot control the deterioration in sleep and appetite, it is recommended to get support.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240926AW295257