Monsoons are a natural wonder. But Are they really such a period of romanticism and happiness? The answer is NOT for everyone.
You might be surprised to know that the Monsoons are responsible for the high increase in the number of medical cases of depression, stress, anxiety and suicides.
There’s upto 20% increase in the number of people suffering from any grade of depression (mild to severe) and an equal rise in the number of people who put their suicidal thoughts into action.
What causes this problem?
Clinical Research has found that the root causes of this problem are:
a. Decreased amount of sunlight – sunlight is known to trigger the production of activating chemicals both in the body and the brain. Lack of proper sunlight leads to decrease production of the same.
Decrease in activating factors leads to onset of clinical levels of depression. Once the depression starts, it takes a few months for the body to re-start production of these chemicals on its own. But in many cases winter sets in by that time, again leading to the same cycle.
b. Decreased Body Temperature – Monsoons lead to decreased body temperature. Even though everyone waits for the same, prolonged exposure to cold temperature leads the body into “conservation mode”. Body heat is automatically maintained by shutting down some essential brain and body processes.
c. Genetic – Those who have family history of parent or first blood uncles/aunts having clinical depression or suicide attempts are at greater risk of having inherited genes that can trigger the same. Such genes are “dormant psychological mine” waiting to be triggered. In many cases the change in weather works as the perfect trigger.
Why is the monsoon season so deadly?
A problem that starts in monsoons, has personal and professional repercussions till the end of winter, creating 6months of extreme loneliness, sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness and helplessness.
Any problem that affects the mind for more than 6 weeks has a potential of causing long term problems.
What are the symptoms?
Onset of 6 or more of the following symptoms following exposure to monsoon or prolonged periods of winter, can be certainly diagnose subconscious cry to help.
1. Sadness or depression as dominant mood through most of the day
2. Increased appetite with weight gain
3. Increased sleep and daytime sleepiness.
4. Less energy and ability to concentrate in the afternoon
5. Loss of interest in work or other activities
6. Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
7. Social withdrawal – loss of interest in meeting people, friends and family. Wanting to stay aloof.
8. Unhappiness, irritability or unexplained anger outbursts are seen.
9. Feeling others cannot help.
10. Lack of desire or decreased sexual performance.
11. Looking for escapism by increased indulgence in drinking, smoking, cannabis or other drugs
12. Suicidal thoughts keep revolving in the mind.
What is the cure?
a. Light therapy
b. Adequate diet plan
c. Short term, non-addictive, non-sedative Medications to regulate mood swings, sleep disturbance.
d. Exercise schedule according to body type to trigger alertness.
e. Consult a psychiatrist.
Thanks for reading, your queries are welcome @-
Dr.Hemant Mittal
(Psychiatrist,Motivational Writer/Speaker and Counselor)
email - eksoch@gmail.com
website - http://mindmantra.in/services.html
personal consultation @-
address- Mind Mantra wellness clinic
Shop 15, shreeji plaza, next to ice n spice restaurant,
opposite seawoods station,
seawoods (east)
Navi Mumbai - 400706
You might be surprised to know that the Monsoons are responsible for the high increase in the number of medical cases of depression, stress, anxiety and suicides.
There’s upto 20% increase in the number of people suffering from any grade of depression (mild to severe) and an equal rise in the number of people who put their suicidal thoughts into action.
What causes this problem?
Clinical Research has found that the root causes of this problem are:
a. Decreased amount of sunlight – sunlight is known to trigger the production of activating chemicals both in the body and the brain. Lack of proper sunlight leads to decrease production of the same.
Decrease in activating factors leads to onset of clinical levels of depression. Once the depression starts, it takes a few months for the body to re-start production of these chemicals on its own. But in many cases winter sets in by that time, again leading to the same cycle.
b. Decreased Body Temperature – Monsoons lead to decreased body temperature. Even though everyone waits for the same, prolonged exposure to cold temperature leads the body into “conservation mode”. Body heat is automatically maintained by shutting down some essential brain and body processes.
c. Genetic – Those who have family history of parent or first blood uncles/aunts having clinical depression or suicide attempts are at greater risk of having inherited genes that can trigger the same. Such genes are “dormant psychological mine” waiting to be triggered. In many cases the change in weather works as the perfect trigger.
Why is the monsoon season so deadly?
A problem that starts in monsoons, has personal and professional repercussions till the end of winter, creating 6months of extreme loneliness, sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness and helplessness.
Any problem that affects the mind for more than 6 weeks has a potential of causing long term problems.
What are the symptoms?
Onset of 6 or more of the following symptoms following exposure to monsoon or prolonged periods of winter, can be certainly diagnose subconscious cry to help.
1. Sadness or depression as dominant mood through most of the day
2. Increased appetite with weight gain
3. Increased sleep and daytime sleepiness.
4. Less energy and ability to concentrate in the afternoon
5. Loss of interest in work or other activities
6. Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
7. Social withdrawal – loss of interest in meeting people, friends and family. Wanting to stay aloof.
8. Unhappiness, irritability or unexplained anger outbursts are seen.
9. Feeling others cannot help.
10. Lack of desire or decreased sexual performance.
11. Looking for escapism by increased indulgence in drinking, smoking, cannabis or other drugs
12. Suicidal thoughts keep revolving in the mind.
What is the cure?
a. Light therapy
b. Adequate diet plan
c. Short term, non-addictive, non-sedative Medications to regulate mood swings, sleep disturbance.
d. Exercise schedule according to body type to trigger alertness.
e. Consult a psychiatrist.
Thanks for reading, your queries are welcome @-
Dr.Hemant Mittal
(Psychiatrist,Motivational Writer/Speaker and Counselor)
email - eksoch@gmail.com
website - http://mindmantra.in/services.html
personal consultation @-
address- Mind Mantra wellness clinic
Shop 15, shreeji plaza, next to ice n spice restaurant,
opposite seawoods station,
seawoods (east)
Navi Mumbai - 400706
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