Istanbul Gelisim University - The reason for the change in your emotions may be “winter sadness”!

The reason for the change in your emotions may be “winter sadness”!

Falling temperatures increase the risk of seasonal mood disorders, which affect mental health as well as influenza. Stating that some changes occurred in emotions, behaviors and thoughts during the winter, Psychologist Res. Asst. Deniz Misra Gurol stated that this situation is called "winter sadness".

Serotonin, the happy hormone derived from sunlight, declines in the fall and winter, while melatonin, the hormone associated with sleep, is also produced at higher levels than normal. Many individuals are beginning to get involved in their children's or their own new work or school period, in addition to changes in temperature and light. Thus, there are variations in expectations, habits, relationships, and even programs. Stating that the mind has many more cycles than predicted, Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences Department of Psychology Psychologist Res. Asst. Deniz Misra Gurol said, "No matter how much we would like to, we might not be able to do anything but stop while feeling depressed by the cold; we might also be unable to be open, enthusiastic, creative, or productive. At such times, we can see the reflection of changes in nature in our psyche. We should strive to accept and be patient with our own winter mode since we might need to slow down.''

Beware of these symptoms!

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by the change in seasons, usually when autumn begins. Stating that it is different from winter sadness, Psychologist Res. Asst. Misra Deniz Gurol said, ''Seasonal affective disorder is both a type of depression and closely affects not only how you think and feel, but also daily life. This seasonal depression usually occurs in late autumn or early winter and increases with winter. It ends with the sunshine with spring. If you feel depressed for most of the day, anxiousness, desire to eat more, excessive fatigue and lack of energy, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, difficulty in focusing, feeling nervous or uneasy, staying away from social activities, difficulty in enjoying activities, and sleep problems, you may be experiencing seasonal mood disorders."

“The transition is always easier when you talk to someone”

Regardless of how much they are affected by seasonal affective disorder, three important factors will help manage seasonal changes, Gurol said, “The first of these is exercise. Regular physical activity is extremely beneficial for both physical and psychological health. The second is to try to get more light. It is important that everyone is exposed to sunlight every day. Since most workplaces are indoors, reaching for sunlight requires some kind of effort. We can try to get the vitamin D necessary for our body by spending a few minutes in the sun. The third important factor is sharing with someone. All transitions have their own challenges, and when you talk to someone about it, the transition is always easier. Whether you're talking to a relative, a coworker, or your therapist, let someone enter your inner thoughts and experiences.''