Autumn’s arrival is accompanied by bitter cold, copious rain, and, of course, autumnal blues. Mood swings result from depression, which gradually makes the mood as gloomy as the sky. The exhaustion comes in so rapidly that you don’t want to leave your bed, and it seems as though you have nothing left to accomplish for the day. Today, we’ll explain how to get rid of this ailment and learn to smile every morning (if possible, of course).
What is autumn blues?
A person who experiences the “autumn blues” experiences feelings of anxiety, depression, despondency, and anger. In such weather, a decline in mood and energy is typical. It is frequently brought on by a change in biorhythm. However, more on it follows.
Another name for depression is melancholy. In 2005, this term was created. You can find terms like “seasonal affective disorder” or “seasonal affective syndrome” in the literature. There is a summer blues as well, but it is uncommon and usually starts in the spring or summer.
According to studies, the autumn blues affect 4%–5% of people on average, and women are more likely than males to experience them. Fun fact: Children can suffer from seasonal depression. Approximately 1.7% of children older than 9 years old experience symptoms.
Additionally, one of the most common reasons for suicide and alcoholism is the autumn blues. According to data, depression played a role in two out of every three suicides.
Why does autumn depression develop?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), according to statistics, manifests itself in 16.2% of Americans. To understand how to deal with this problem, you first need to find out the causes of its occurrence. Here are the factors that influence the development of the autumn blues that stand out:
- A small amount of sunlight. With the beginning of autumn, sunny days become fewer and fewer, especially after the Indian summer. Gray clouds block access to the sun, which is why light penetrates in small quantities. Because of this, a lack of vitamin D begins in the body. This is what affects the human body.
- Weakened immunity. Our immune is compromised by the cold and rainy weather, as well as a deficiency in vitamins, and we frequently start to feel unwell. Colds have a negative impact on mood and general health.
- The end of summer and holidays. Both high school and college students begin their studies in the fall. The awareness of the upcoming routine is depressing. And the end of a long-awaited vacation and the return to work with a rigid schedule weighs on morale.
- It gets light late and dark early. Remember how we wake up in winter and it’s night outside? Autumn is changing, so when we get up early for school or work, it’s either still dark or just getting light. There is little light, and slush underfoot, so we want to get to work or go home sooner. Because of this day seems to become shorter, and it seems that we do not have time. In addition, sleepiness due to the darkness noticeably inhibits work processes. All this affects our general condition and mood.
Signs of autumn blues
Now that the causes have been determined, let’s discuss the symptoms. It’s important to keep in mind that anyone might have this ailment; the key is to recognize it early and start fighting the horrible illness. Let’s identify the primary indicators:
- a state of sleepiness;
- disrupted sleep or you cannot fall asleep soundly;
- fatigue haunts you constantly, even if you just got a good night’s rest;
- brokenness, absent-mindedness;
- apathy;
- irritability;
- a feeling of sadness even without reason.
How to overcome the state of autumn blues
If these symptoms are about you, let’s figure out how to get rid of them.
Add more walking to your life, especially on the remaining sunny days. Try to catch as much warm sunlight as possible. Try to show your body that it’s not all that different. It is preferable to set out an hour for time in the sun even if you have a lot of schoolwork and need to compose an essay that will take you many hours. Even if you are short on time and have a ton of assignments to complete, it is preferable to hire writer now rather than lose the chance to enjoy the last of the summer sun’s rays.
Set yourself a goal for next summer. For example, start planning your next vacation. Why? It’s simple: a person needs a nice goal, so he will work hard and earn money to implement their plans. This way the time will go faster, and the anticipation of pleasant – a great cure for autumn blues.
It’s important to move. Exercise even if it seems to you that your legs cannot move at all and your arms do not rise. Meet friends, have fun and go for a walk. So you will get a lot of positive emotions and strength.
Experts recommend taking as many vitamins as possible. You can consult a specialist to prescribe them in tablets or increase the number of vegetables and fruits.
Here are a few more ways:
- dress warmly so as not to get sick and not freeze;
- take care of creating home comfort so that the interior does not depress you;
- start watching fun and interesting series;
- have fun music, dance to it;
- get creative, throw out your emotions;
- meditate;
- take a little trip.
Even though it seems like life is coming to an end outside your window, keep in mind that fall is not the end of the world. The summer heat makes you want to unwind and stay in the sun. Contrarily, the cold of autumn energizes, which signifies it’s time to fulfill your dreams. The best course of action is to speak with an expert who can help you understand yourself and identify the underlying source of your melancholy if none of the aforementioned strategies work for you. If you don’t halt its growth in a timely manner, the results might not be ideal.