As the seasons change, particularly from spring to summer, our bodies often feel “uncomfortable.” The sun shines brightly, the plants don new attire, yet there seems to be a heaviness in people’s hearts, with poor appetite, restless sleep, and a sense of physical discomfort.
For many years, the medical community has debated this paradox. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain this condition: fatigue accumulated throughout the winter, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes as the body transitions to summer, a lack of oxygen, and the overwhelming presence of light after the dark winter months…
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| Depression often disguises itself as other ailments (Image: BBC) |
One thing that scientists agree on is that we must tackle feelings of depression using all available means. If the body cannot handle it, professional help is needed.
Both Mind and Body
Depression often masks itself as other ailments. Individuals may experience pain in their heart, stomach, or intestines, discomfort in their back, skin irritations, and hair loss… When visiting a doctor, everything may appear normal after treatment, yet symptoms can persist for years. Experienced doctors believe that up to 10% of patients who frequently visit hospitals are not ill at all; they are simply suffering from depression.
Women and the Elderly
Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression compared to men, possibly due to their gentle and delicate nature, or perhaps because men are less likely to seek medical help. Wives of newly wealthy individuals are at a higher risk of depression. Many of them do not work, spending all day caring for themselves and their appearance or becoming overly reliant on their husbands.
Their world becomes small, confined to gyms, beauty salons, and home life, with their husbands as the sole focus of their interest. Even a minor disagreement with their husbands can shatter this world, causing negative emotions to surge.
The second group at risk consists of young mothers caring for small children. The strenuous work and emotional burdens of constantly worrying about their children can lead to darkness with even the smallest trigger.
There are also two more groups at risk: divorced individuals and lonely women over 40. Among younger people, the highest risk of depression occurs between the ages of 16-19. During this rebellious age, young people may exhibit reckless behavior, while girls tend to withdraw, feeling desperate.
Take the Following Test
Psychologists have compiled a list of 20 questions for you, with four response options: “very rarely,” “rarely,” “often,” and “almost always,” corresponding to scores from 1-4.
1. I feel irritable and more anxious than usual.
2. I feel inexplicably fearful.
3. I easily become overwhelmed or panicked.
4. I feel like I cannot control myself.
5. I feel completely at peace; I believe nothing terrible will happen to me.
6. My hands and feet tremble.
7. I often experience headaches, back pain, or neck pain.
8. I feel sluggish and tire easily.
9. I feel calm and can relax without effort.
10. I feel my heart racing.
11. I often feel dizzy.
12. I feel physically drained.
13. I breathe calmly.
14. I feel numbness in my fingers and toes.
15. I experience stomach pain and digestive issues.
16. I frequently have the urge to urinate.
17. My hands are dry and hot.
18. My face feels red and hot.
19. I fall asleep easily and sleep soundly.
20. I often have nightmares at night.
If you score between 30-40 points, you are not depressed. A score of 41-45 indicates mild depression, while a score of 46-65 suggests you need professional help.
9 Rules for Coping with Depression
1. Take a blank piece of paper and draw a vertical line down the middle. On the left, list everything you worry about. On the right, note the reasons for those feelings. For example, if you have trouble sleeping, list the cause: “I keep thinking about…”
Then, provide evidence showing why this isn’t true and write it down.
2. To change your priorities, think of new and interesting goals that are achievable. For instance, plan a visit to a friend in another city or buy a new set of sportswear. Describe each step needed to accomplish this.
3. Seasonal depression is the perfect time to start fresh. Change your routine: begin swimming, incorporate evening walks regardless of the weather…
4. Each day, create a small joy for yourself and your loved ones: buy movie tickets, gift a new book, try a new hairstyle, or cook a new dish…
5. On your days off, sleep in a bit, take fragrant herbal baths, or treat yourself to a new hairstyle…
6. Change something in your home: rearrange furniture, replace curtains, change rugs, or reposition flower pots…
7. The night before, prepare a detailed plan for the next day, ensuring you have some free time.
8. Invite a close friend to a café or your home, share your feelings, and even cry together until you laugh.
9. Remember that some medications can cause mood swings, such as contraceptives. You may need to switch to a different medication. If these measures don’t help, seek a therapist.
In terms of nutrition during seasonal transitions, ensure you supplement vitamins and avoid a diet low in calories, high in fats, or sugary foods. Avoid strong tea and coffee…
This Condition Affects Everyone
According to the World Health Organization, there are at least 100 million people worldwide suffering from depression… In New York City alone, 20% of women and 7% of men are affected. Ironically, those suffering from this specific condition often visit non-specialist doctors, resulting in only 1-5% of cases being correctly diagnosed.
If you have pets at home, remember that during seasonal changes, they can also experience depression. It’s essential to supplement their diet with vitamins and nutrients, and of course, show them care and affection.
