Effects of seasonal transitions on mental health and mood
Experts explained how the decrease in daylight and social changes during seasonal transitions affect mood and which symptoms should be taken into consideration.
Prof. Dr. Görkem Karakaş Uğurlu, Training Staff at the Psychiatry Clinic of Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, drew attention to the effects of seasonal transitions on mental health, stating that the decrease in daylight, insufficient physical activity, and changes in social life can lead to emotional alterations.
Mental effects of seasonal transitions
Prof. Dr. Görkem Karakaş Uğurlu stated that the decrease in daylight has effects on the brain, and that insufficient physical activity and social life can also lead to changes in emotional state.
Observed behavioral changes
Stating that individuals may tend to go out less, sleep more, and eat more especially during seasonal transitions, Prof. Dr. Uğurlu expressed that a decrease in social relationships and a slowdown in physical activities can also be observed.
Importance of severity and duration factors
Reporting that severity and duration factors are important in evaluating psychological changes experienced during seasonal transitions, Uğurlu stated that it matters to what extent these changes affect daily life and the maintenance of routines.
Critical symptom and duration criteria
Stating that changes must exist for at least two weeks with a severity that affects daily life, Uğurlu pointed out that symptoms such as a depressed mood, reluctance, low morale, inability to enjoy previously performed activities, appetite and sleep changes, and a decrease in physical activity must be seen during this period.
Bipolar disorder and precautions
Stating that the depression and mania periods seen in bipolar disorder can also be affected by seasonal changes, Uğurlu emphasized that to protect health, attention should be paid to sleep patterns, going to bed at a certain time, and physical exercises should not be neglected.