ODRO
Pune: Showers bring relief from the scorching heat, but they carry a weight that can dampen the spirits of many. Mental health experts point out that gloomy weather can amplify feelings of depression and anxiety, casting a shadow over mental well-being.Psychologist Dr Suman Khanna, who has observed that many of her clients experience mood changes during this season, said “Seeing a grey and gloomy sky can contribute to low moods and seasonal depression. A lot of people have an impact on their mood even without being diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The general symptoms that one might experience include feeling sad most of the time, losing interest in activities, lethargy and sluggishness throughout the day.” Khanna said a common strain among her clients that suffer from low energy and mood changes during the monsoon months is a lack of physical activity and socialization. “While the rain hinders outdoor exercises, people can try and take up indoor exercises in form of pilates, yoga, high-intensity interval training and so on. Physical activity boosts your mood and happy hormones which in turn helps you feel better. Potential effects of the season could worsen the longer we stay isolated due to logistical reasons, so even while it may not be easy but one must plan a social calendar to help feel more grounded and in control of the situation,” Khanna said. She added that many individuals opt for cognitive behavioural therapy, a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy, to help them overcome negative patterns. The reduced exposure to sunlight during this season can lead to a deficiency in vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. “As serotonin levels drop, individuals may experience difficulties with appetite, digestion, and restful sleep. The impact is detrimental among those suffering from depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD,” said psychiatrist Dr Sushmita Chatterjee. “Whenever possible, you must bask in sunlight,” she said. Practical challenges synonymous with the monsoon in Pune such as waterlogged streets, pothole-ridden roads, and traffic congestion can heighten stress levels among citizens, adding to their emotional burden. Dr Pankaj Borade, consultant psychiatrist at Ruby Hall Clinic Pune, said, “These factors introduce a level of unpredictability and inconvenience that can be stress-inducing, especially for individuals already grappling with mental health issues. Prolonged commutes not only cause frustration and stress but also reduces the amount of time people can spend on restorative activities. The stress of being stuck in traffic, compounded by concerns about being late for work or appointments, can heighten anxiety levels.” Borade said the disruption of daily routines can lead to a sense of chaos and lack of control and to with these challenges, he advised patients to plan their days with extra time and engage mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises. “Acknowledging these inconveniences and preparing for them can help mitigate their impact on mental health,” he said.
