Warmer months often entail major life events such as proms, graduations, and weddings. For many, this coincides with a boost of energy and motivation. For others this season of social gatherings can increase anxiety and feelings of mania. SAD’s lesser discussed counterpart has been coined as “spring fever” and has as drastic an impact on mental health as the familiar winter blues. Spring fever can cause us to feel ready to tackle projects we had procrastinated and make changes. It can also increase the pressure to “make the most” of the weather, leading to feelings of inadequacy, while the sunshine provides a contrasting background to depression. Manic episodes tend to heighten in the spring for those struggling with bipolar and borderline diagnoses.
Regardless of HOW the change in weather impacts you, we know for certain that it DOES. Let’s look at ways to maintain balance and get the most out of the extra hours in our day.
Maintain a healthy sleep schedule. Melatonin, our sleepy-time hormone, takes a hit when the days get longer. Prioritizing a consistent routine can do wonders for our mental health. Setting alarms to go to bed can be just as important as alarms designed to wake us up while establishing this routine. While we may rely on sunlamps during darker months for a boost of energy, we may need to invest in black out curtains and sleep masks to assist our body in producing melatonin earlier in the evening.
Listen to your body. As social opportunities increase, and there is additional pressure to engage in more activity as the weather warms, check in with your internal battery. Understanding your capacity can help you to intentionally prioritize plans while also taking care of yourself. You will show up fuller and be more present if you are selectively choosing how to spend your time.
Be gentle with yourself. Maybe you feel the pressure to be cheerier as the weather brightens. Maybe the idea of warm weather is linked to anxiety around clothing choices and options. Maybe you are feeling pressure to find ways to entertain kids as school begins to let out. Easing into warmer months and allowing yourself to go at your own pace can be a healing action. Create a mantra or affirmations to help take the pressure off.
If you begin to experience increased struggles with anxiety, depression, or mood disorders, or you need help processing and understanding these symptoms, please reach out to a therapist today.
If you begin or continue having thoughts of hurting yourself or others, or contemplating suicide, please reach out to the national suicide hotline (988) or your local emergency center (911).
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