autumn depression

5 reasons why the risk of developing depression increases in autumn

  1. Reduction in sunlight and frequent rain.

A lack of natural light leads to a reduction in serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter responsible for a mood. As a result, a person may feel sadness and a loss of energy. Frequent rain can also limit physical activity and hinder outdoor gatherings with friends, contributing to feelings of loneliness. Less time spent outdoors can lead to a worsening mood, causing individuals to experience symptoms of depression. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to mental health to prevent the development of unpleasant conditions.

  1. Too much work.

In the fall, most people return to their routine after summer vacations, which can cause stress due to the accumulated tasks. At this time, a person attends many events, conferences and training programs that require additional effort.  As a result, personal life and quality rest take a backseat, as there may be no energy left to socializing after work meetings. Living with such schedule for a long time often causes overload, which leads to exhaustion and can cause depression. Constant thoughts about work tasks can also cause individuals to associate their self-esteem with productivity. If work results do not meet expectations, this can lead to feelings of guilt and self-blame, creating conditions that contribute to depressive symptoms.

  1. Reducing the healthy foods in your diet.

In autumn, dietary habits may worsen due to a decrease in fresh fruits and vegetables, leading to a reduced intake of essential nutrients. Many people start eating heavier foods that are less healthy.  The autumn weathers often increase cravings for comfort food, such as fried or high-calorie meals, which can negatively affect psychological well-being and contribute to the development of depression. Additionally, returning to routine after summer vacations often leaves less time for preparing healthy meals, resulting in a higher tendency to choose quick and unhealthy options. All of this can negatively impact the quality of life.

  1. Increase in infections.

The rise in infections during autumn can trigger depression for several reasons. Firstly, epidemics of colds and flu often lead to physical discomfort and fatigue, negatively affecting mood and overall well-being. Secondly, when people are sick, they may feel isolated due to the need to stay home, limiting social interactions. This loneliness can increase the risk of developing depressive symptoms. Moreover, illness can lead to stress and heightened anxiety, especially if a person is worried about their health or the health of loved ones. Therefore, during this period, focus on boosting the body’s defenses and pay more attention to nutrition and hygiene to prevent autumn illnesses.

  1. Decreased physical activity.

In autumn, physical activity decreases due to changing weather conditions, where lower temperatures and frequent rain reduce motivation to go outside for walks or exercise. Many people prefer to stay home in the warmth, which limits their activity. In addition, due to their busy schedules, people do not find time to go to yoga or other sports. In this case, a person feels more tired and loses endurance, all of which affects the emotional state and can lead to depressive symptoms. Therefore, try to find a few hours for yourself during the workweek and visit the gym.

If you continue to feel sadness and a lack of energy for an extended period, it’s best to consult a doctor. Such symptoms may indicate the onset of depression. If a specialist confirms the diagnosis, they will prescribe the necessary medications (such as Arcalion, Feliz-S-20 or Depsol-25) to help restore your zest for life.