Zamone Perez, reporter, Maryland News Connection, a bureau of Public News Service.
Budding flowers, warmer temperatures, and longer days are welcome signs to many folks after the long, dark months of winter. Some people might believe warmer weather improves mental health after seasonal depression in the winter months, but that’s not always the case. In fact, many individuals experience increased mental health struggles in the spring.
When people’s feelings in the springtime don’t meet their expectations, said Cynthia Cubbage, director of family and post-adopt service for the Barker Adoption Foundation, it can make mental health issues worse.
“When people are looking forward to spring because it’s a time of renewal, and those expectations don’t happen, and then nothing gets better for them because it’s deeper than that,” she said, “then they get really stressed and depression can really set in. And it’s because of the expectations.”
Depression and seasonal allergies
Suicide rates rise in the spring and not winter, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Researchers find that seasonal allergies play a role. A person with rhinitis, which causes allergy symptoms, is more than 40% more likely to be depressed.
Cubbage said there are many ways people can combat those feelings, including getting outdoors as much as possible and staying socially engaged. But she reminded folks that sleep is vital.
“Definitely prioritize sleep, even though we’re having more daylight,” she said. “It makes people want to stay up longer – that they should be doing things – and to remember that’s a big transition for your body. They should still prioritize their sleep. If they were still going to sleep at eight or they were putting their kids down at eight, that should continue.”
Cubbage added that, if you continue to feel depressed or down even after trying those suggestions, it’s best to seek out professional mental health help.
