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.
Source: https://americanbehavioralclinics.com/springs-arrival-affects-mental-health/
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April is Stress Awareness Month
April is Stress Awareness Month. We’re all aware of the stress in our lives, but do we know how to properly manage it?
Stress is our body’s natural reaction to perceived challenges or threats. Our bodies produce more adrenaline in response – known as the “fight or flight” hormone. Normally, this response can be a good thing. It can help us focus on acting quickly or focusing on solving a problem. However, prolonged or excessive exposure to stress can take an immense toll on our bodies and minds.
Stress can cause physical symptoms, like headaches, rapid heartrate, stomach issues, and muscle pain. Some people break out into hives or lose hair. Stress also affects us emotionally, causing irritability, anxiousness, mood swings, or trouble concentrating or making decisions. It can cause us to change behaviors, especially around sleep, eating, using alcohol or other substances, and engaging in social activities. Too much prolonged stress causes burnout, a state of physical and mental exhaustion.
How to Manage Stress
- Take care of your body. During periods of extended stress, it’s important to keep to healthy routines. Make sure you are staying active and eating healthy foods. Resist the temptation to indulge in alcohol, tobacco, or other addictive behaviors. Also, get as much rest as you can – rest helps your body regain balance.
- Take care of your mind. This may mean journaling, avoiding the news or social media, and finding someone to talk to. Many cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT) can help you process stressful periods so that they don’t feel so overwhelming.
- Take care of your to-do list. If you’re facing a task or a problem that feels insurmountable, break it into smaller pieces and tackle each piece at a time. Make sure to set yourself time for breaks between pieces of the task. You can also plan ahead – scheduling out each piece of the project so it feels more doable.
Properly managing our stress levels is crucial to maintaining our mental wellness. To learn more about ways to manage stress, click on the links below.
How to Manage and Reduce Your Stress | Mental Health Foundation (UK)
Source: NAMI