Spring’s Arrival Affects Mental Health

While many people look forward to spring, psychologists know that it is the season when some mental health challenges peak. Therefore, emergency rooms often fill up with people with mental health conditions, and doctors know they are more likely to see some conditions in the spring than at any other time.

Depression

While many people feel happier in the spring, the opposite is true. Some people feel sadder. This is especially true of those who set serious New Year’s Eve resolutions and have already failed to accomplish them.

Bipolar Disorder

Psychologists know there is a direct correlation between many people’s first manic episode of the year and the arrival of spring. Mental health workers believe that disturbances in the circadian rhythms due to more light are to blame.

Anxiety

People often feel more anxious in the spring. Researchers theorize this is because some people do not cope well with change. Therefore, they often feel more uptight, especially around time changes.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

While you may associate seasonal affective disorder with the lack of light in the winter, some people experience worsening symptoms in the spring as the daylight becomes longer. Some people find that their symptoms worsen when pollen fills the air.

Suicide

Suicide rates are highest in the spring. Researchers believe that part of this increase is due to maniac behavior in people with bipolar disease. Still, they also think part of it is due to people becoming less socially isolated in the spring. Therefore, they feel more pressure to be socially accepted, and that pressure is too much for some people.

If you are struggling, then give our mental health team a call. We would love to help you identify the cause of your emotional distress and help you develop a coping plan.