Does Winter Affect Mental Health?

Does Winter Weather Affect Mental Health? Abdi İbrahim Otsuka Medical Directorate is drawing attention to the fact that persistent overcast weather during winter months can cause psychological distress in people, issuing warnings to the public to monitor their mental health. Abdi İbrahim Otsuka points out that seasonal affective disorder appears in one in three people during winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. Abdi İbrahim Otsuka Medical Directorate is drawing attention to the fact that overcast weather during winter months can lead to psychological distress in people. Warning the public to pay attention to their mental health during the cold winter months, Abdi İbrahim Otsuka points out that seasonal affective disorder appears in one in three people during winter in the Northern Hemisphere. In a statement released by Abdi İbrahim Otsuka Medical Directorate, it was noted that as a result of people not going outside due to cold weather and spending most of their time sleeping, they can experience psychological distress. It is also pointed out that headaches, in particular, as well as physical pain, lack of energy, fatigue and feelings of weakness are the leading symptoms of psychological distress. The statement notes that intolerance in relationships, irritability and communication problems also characterize this psychological distress. In a statement emphasizing that depressive feelings particularly affect people during seasonal changes, attention is drawn to the fact that if individuals have such a tendency, this condition can flare up in relation to winter months and seasonal transitions. In a statement noting that depression is a serious mental health problem, emphasis is placed on the importance of seeking psychiatric and psychological help to cope with seasonal affective disorder.

Ways to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder:

Regular Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise is not only an essential element for weight loss and physical health, but also a method for coping with stress. Through regular activity, metabolism works faster, which allows the person to feel energetic throughout the day. Regular activity during winter months increases the release of chemicals that promote feeling good, reinforcing a positive mood.  

Spend More Time with People You Enjoy

The importance of positive emotional support from friends and family is significant in combating seasonal affective disorder.

Do Not Spend Your Time Sleeping

During winter months, people tend to sleep more. People prefer to sleep and become numb rather than think, understand and feel. This accomplishes nothing but worsening one's mental state. Excessive sleep causes a person to feel weak and not well rested. Instead of sleeping too much, taking 10-20 minute naps per day allows the day to pass more energetically.

Pay Attention to Balanced and Regular Nutrition

Eating healthy and regularly is another important factor that affects a person's mental state and energy. Some foods create emotional ups and downs in people and affect their concentration. Particularly excessive amounts of sugar, white bread and carbohydrates create sharp emotional fluctuations. Healthy and regular nutrition helps regulate these emotional fluctuations.

Take Short Walks Outdoors

Winter lasts longer than other seasons, and daylight comes earlier. For this reason, people spend less time outdoors during winter months. Consequently, they benefit less from daylight. This leads to pessimism in individuals and reinforces emotional distress. Therefore, during winter months, taking into account the pandemic and maintaining social distance, spending more time outdoors and taking short walks in fresh air will help you feel better.

Set Aside Personal Time for Yourself

Dedicating one hour per day to yourself allows you to step away from daily hustle and bustle and feel better about yourself.