Staying Mentally Healthy This Summer
Staying Mentally Healthy This Summer
Summer time is associated with every age group people as it comes with freedom from school and many other positive emotions. However, summer can also be the time where certain mental health issues needs to be taken care of even more than usual.
For some, especially those who struggle with anxiety, the summer months can trigger feelings of being overwhelmed and losing control. Adults can experience the same mental health issues as children during the summer, especially depression and anxiety.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Summer Depression?
Dr. Parth Vaishnav, (Psychiatrist in Ahmedabad), suggests that some people can actually experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the summer as well. In the case of seasonal affective disorder that is experienced during the summer, symptoms tend to be weight loss, minimal appetite, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. Also mood disorders in general are highly correlated to substance abuse.
SAD, sometimes referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), has symptoms that include:
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Agitation or anxiety
- Weight loss
- Low appetite
- Increased aggression, even violence
Symptoms of SAD are similar to other mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder or other kinds of depression; they also mimic symptoms of hypothyroidism and mononucleosis.
“Summer SAD may increase in the coming decades, as global warming may bring higher temperatures and possibly more humidity and air-borne allergies.” – Dr. Parth Vaishnav
The key to staying mentally healthy over the summer is to be preventative. Here are some tips for each age group.
Some Tips For Staying Mentally Healthy This Summer
GET MOVING
Exercise has been a long known activity to defuse anxiety. Enjoy the warm weather and getting yourself engaged in activities is a winning combination to calm a racing mind. Get a pool membership for regular swimming, find a great bike trail in peaceful roads, go for regular hikes or take part in an outdoor boot camp to get those endorphins pumping while you enjoy a healthy dose of vitamin D.
GET OUTSIDE
Being outside promotes a sense of mental calm and well-being. This summer, try to take up a new outdoor hobby, such as gardening. It is proved that exposure to sun and fresh air increase serotonin levels and reduce anxiety. Put some books in your list to read.
GO FOR MEDITATION
Take a few minutes of everyday to meditate, paying attention to the music of nature, smelling freshly cut grass. This will help you put a stop to ruminating thoughts.
START THE CONVERSATION
As 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem each year, talking openly about mental health & what you are feeling have the potential to make life better. Though the stigma surrounding mental illness can sometimes make talking about it seem difficult – It doesn’t have to be!
SAY THANKS
Thank someone for something they’ve done for you. These small things have a great impact. An unprompted ‘thank you’ is a great way to open up a conversation.
WRAPPING UP
If you or someone you love is still dealing with a mental health issue, help is available. Dr. Parth recommends for people whose symptoms are associated with heat and humidity, thermal interventions such as remaining in air conditioned settings might be helpful. Reach out to Samvedana Hospital to get the support you need.
