The recurring fluctuations in weather conditions that cause feelings of fatigue and exhaustion in individuals. - Weather fluctuations causing widespread illness in the population
Weather Woes: Understanding the Emotional rollercoaster of Weather Changes
by Tina Tokern* ⏱️ + - 3 Min*
"Grey skies, grey skies, always grey"- such lyrics seem more like a lament than the promise of spring. And tragically, they resonate with many who find themself enveloped in a cloudy, gloomy situation while the rest of Germany basks in the warm sun. The current relentless rains are certainly taking a toll on the mood, causing not just physical discomfort, but emotional distress as well. But why does the weather seem so capable of knocking us off our feet when it rains, or when the temperatures fluctuate wildly?
Despite weather sensitivity being long-dismissed, recent studies suggest that certain weather conditions significantly impact our overall well-being, particularly with harsh temperature changes and unpredictable weather patterns. A team of researchers conducted a survey in collaboration with the German Environment Agency and found that poor weather affects people's health far more than sunshine. Out of approximately 1,600 respondents, around 38% reported feeling the influence of weather on their health during cold and stormy weather. Conversely, the sun merely caused complaints in about 6%. The most common weather-related complaints were headaches, exhaustion, and sleep disorders. The German Weather Service even offers biowether now.
When the Weather Messes with our Hormones
Days filled with a mix of sunshine and cloud cover can make us feel anything but breezy. In fact, this meteorological turmoil can play havoc with our hormone levels, especially our melatonin levels. Melatonin regulates our sleep-wake rhythm. When melatonin levels become too high, it can lead to difficulty falling asleep, and when it's too low, it can cause constant fatigue. The hormone is primarily produced at night, in the dark. So if there isn't enough sunlight to suppress melatonin production, our sleep rhythm can get disrupted, taking our mood with it. This can lead to feelings of fatigue, depression, and a lack of motivation. If these symptoms persist for an extended period, depression could potentially develop.
When symptoms of depression manifest solely during a specific time of the year, it's known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Most common is the winter depression, which usually sets in as the days grow shorter and darker in the fall and winter. The lack of sunlight disrupts the body's circadian rhythm, throwing the entire system out of balance. However, a lesser-known condition is the summer depression, which occurs when the body is exposed to too much sunlight, causing an increase in melatonin, thereby disrupting the hormone balance and causing emotional instability. Besides hormones, stress and overall health status can also impact weather sensitivity.
Researchers estimate that 10 to 20 percent of the population experiences a mild form of seasonal depression, and five percent experience an acute depressive episode. Symptoms of the mild variant include difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, constant fatigue, and an increased appetite for sweets. In more severe cases, symptoms include daytime exhaustion, anxiety, and lack of energy. For individuals experiencing these symptoms, consultation with a specialist is recommended, as they may be dealing with a more profound form of depression. Studies suggest that younger people are more susceptible to seasonal depression, with women being more affected than men.
To combat bleak days, activities such as walks can be a comfort, even when the weather feels less inviting. Remember, UV light penetrates even cloudy skies. It's suggested to spend at least an hour outdoors daily. Alternatively, therapy lamps with 2500 to 10,000 lux can be used indoors. On those cold, gloomy days, remember, the spring will come.
- Rainy Weather
- Weather
- Depression
- The rainy weather outside can make lyrics like "Grey skies, grey skies, always grey" more relatable for those feeling enveloped in a cloudy and gloomy situation.
- Recent studies have found that certain weather conditions, such as harsh temperature changes and unpredictable weather patterns, can significantly impact our mental health and overall well-being, including sparking feelings of depression.
- On days filled with a mix of sunshine and cloud cover, the hormone melatonin, which regulates our sleep-wake rhythm, can become disrupted, leading to feelings of fatigue, depression, and a lack of motivation.
- When symptoms of depression manifest solely during a specific time of the year, it's known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can be caused by a disrupted body's circadian rhythm due to the lack of sunlight during darker months.
- Therapies and treatments, such as therapy lamps with 2500 to 10,000 lux and spending at least an hour outdoors daily, can help combat feelings of depression caused by the weather.
- Mental health, including depression, can be impacted by weather sensitivity, stress, overall health status, and even underlying hormonal imbalances influenced by science and nutrition.
