Depression; We have heard this word from many of our friends, relatives and people around us: "I am depressed." So what is this depression? In fact, the main symptoms of depression are; It is a state of illness that includes reluctance, inability to enjoy life, and feeling nothing. Depression; It is a disease that affects our thoughts, emotions and body. In other words, it is a disease that affects our eating, sleeping and producing healthy thoughts. A person who is depressed; He distances himself from his family and friends and avoids attending events and social environments. People who are depressed look at everything as hopeless, always blame themselves for the negativities in their lives, and tend not to believe that anyone can help them.
So why do we get depressed? Past traumas, loss of a loved one, sadness and difficulties, ongoing problems, newly emerged challenging life events, and low education level can cause depression. If someone in the family is diagnosed with depression, other family members are also at risk for depression, meaning heredity is one of the important causes of this disease.
Depression loves women twice as much. Hormonal effects, changes in the menstrual cycle and increased responsibilities within the family negatively affect the mental balance of women. All these factors cause women to experience feelings such as depressive mood, depression, anxiety and worry more. For this reason, depression is experienced twice as often in women as in men. So much so that while depression occurs in one in every four women, this rate drops to one in every eight men.
So, is there a season for depression?
Our body has a balance. Our body must adapt to every seasonal change. Some of us cannot keep up with the rhythm of the new season and therefore our bodies are affected by this. During seasonal changes, some hormones in our brain change. Changes in the serotonin and melatonin hormones in our brain cause depression.
Since ancient times, it has been observed that people experience changes in their mood every spring. Each society has its own rituals to adapt and prepare for these changes. (Such as Hıdırellez, spring festivals)
The weather gets colder In these days when the sun starts to show its face less and less, many people may experience problems such as pessimism and unhappiness. Summer is a season when people's work decreases, nature is refreshed, and holidays are taken. Meanwhile, the days are getting longer and people can spare time for themselves after work. Despite all this revival experienced in summer, a reverse period is experienced in autumn and winter. The days are getting shorter, the weather is changing, nature is starting to get sad. People also get their share from this change. Seeing less sun, increasing work responsibilities, the start of school, and the cooling of the weather cause some psychological changes in people. This is where autumn depression emerges.
The living conditions we are in, as well as the anxiety of doing things we could not do in winter with the arrival of spring, and our increased expectations from spring can lead us to depression. This is the first spring depression. Some people may experience anxiety about adapting to a new season and new weather. In addition, other factors can lead to spring fatigue and depression due to organic causes such as anemia, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid disorders.
What Should We Do?
We should take advantage of daylight as much as possible. Taking a walk in the sunshine is important to get out of seasonal depression. Sunlight; It will help the secretion of some hormones that the body needs.
Ensuring sleep hours and sleep patterns is an important issue in keeping the body's biorhythm in balance against the transition of seasons. It is beneficial to meet the body's sleep needs as much as necessary. Going to bed early and waking up early and sleeping at the same time every day reduces fatigue and stress.
Doing regular exercises, for example, a half-hour walk at a normal pace every day. In addition, a sport that is done regularly can be chosen; regular exercises such as running and swimming release happiness hormones into the brain, give energy, and strengthen the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Especially those living in big cities are dependent on vehicles and almost never walk. Instead, it would be useful to walk short distances, park the car particularly far away, and get off two or three stops earlier if using public transportation. Ace again Practical solutions can be found, such as walking up the stairs instead of the elevator, or getting up and walking around every hour if we work sitting.
It is important to eat regularly, and vegetables and fruits can be preferred according to the season. Herbal teas should be preferred rather than caffeine-based drinks, and water consumption should be increased.
Make it important to spend more productive and more time with your precious family members, friends and colleagues who you enjoy being around and get positive energy from. Especially in such periods, these precious people will make you smile more and be more energetic.
As Freud said, "It is necessary to work hard and love a lot for a balanced and happy life."
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