CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: CNN Central News and Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal: With the onset of winter, changes in weather can affect not only the body but also mental health. Shorter days, reduced sunlight and spending more time indoors because of the cold can lead to increased sadness, sluggishness and fatigue in many people. In common language, this is called the “winter blues.” In some cases, the problem can take the form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or seasonal depression. Its impact can be seen among students, working professionals and homemakers alike.
Lack of sunlight affects the body clock. According to psychiatrists, reduced exposure to natural light in winter can affect the body’s biological clock, or circadian rhythm. This disrupts the sleep-wake cycle. Changes in brain chemicals such as serotonin and melatonin can also affect mood and energy levels. Employees who leave for office in the dark in the morning and return after dark in the evening may not get enough natural light. Students preparing for examinations may feel fatigue and lack of concentration because they spend long hours indoors and in front of screens.
Do not ignore these symptoms. Persistent sadness, irritability, reduced interest in work, excessive sleep or insomnia, craving for sweets and carbohydrate-rich food, weight gain, fatigue and withdrawal from social activities can be major symptoms. If these begin to affect studies, work or daily life, it is important to consult a specialist.
Sunlight, exercise and counselling can bring relief. Spending some time in natural light every day, taking morning walks, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and maintaining fixed sleep and wake times can help. Staying in touch with family and friends is also important. In severe cases, cognitive behavioural therapy, medicines or light therapy may be used on the advice of a specialist. A doctor should be consulted before starting light therapy. According to experts, if sadness and other symptoms persist for more than two weeks, keep increasing, or begin to affect daily life, they should not be dismissed as normal seasonal changes. Timely medical help can make the condition easier to manage.
Hashtags: #Education #Bhopal #Weather #Sadness #WinterBlues #Changing #Increase #Winter #Blues #WinterBluesMayBe
