Your mental health can be influenced by a plethora of different things. From stress at work and at home to substances and physical activity, there are so many variables at play. But one thing that people often forget about is the weather.
Now, that’s not to say that gloomy, wintery weather automatically means you’re going to feel bad. Similarly, it also doesn’t mean that everyone will be happy during the summer. Rather, it’s a lot more complicated than that.
Let’s have a look at the different ways that weather can impact your mental health.
Extreme Hot or Cold Weather
Any type of extreme can be a lot to deal with, and with weather, it affects you physically too. When it’s very hot, for instance, it can cause dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion. It may also make you feel restless and irritable and you might have issues sleeping well.
Extreme cold, on the other hand, can make you feel lethargic and generally unmotivated. The lack of sunlight also means you’re not getting enough vitamin D. This can be bad for you if it lasts too long. Fresh air and sunlight are essential!
These may be ways that your body is affected physically, but it all translates into mental health too. So, if you have no energy or you’re feeling unwell, you often end up feeling down too.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a specific type of depression that directly correlates with the change of seasons. So, in winter, you’ll tend to feel more down and have less energy. It may just make you want to stay indoors – watch series, play games and claim the best Australian betting offers online. Conversely, in summer, you’ll most likely be happier and more motivated to get out and do things.
Seasonal Allergies and Barometric Changes
The change of season brings with it more than just a difference in weather. First, for people with allergies, it can cause major discomfort. This includes headaches, itchy eyes and a runny nose. Consequently, people tend to feel down when they’re physically unwell. It can also be incredibly frustrating.
The other thing is that there are often changes in barometric pressure. This can be a direct cause of migraines, headaches and even changes in mood.
Severe Weather
Everybody’s different, but some people tend to be affected by severe weather. If you’re the type of person who suffers from anxiety, experiencing something out of the ordinary can make you tense. Even if it’s not serious and you’re not in danger. Many people tend to feel uneasy during big storms.
In the case of severe weather like hurricanes and tornadoes, this can be terrifying. It’s likely to be incredibly stressful for most people. Some people, however, may even end up with depression and PTSD and need a little extra self-care to get past it. Sometimes, the experience is so intense that it can be difficult to move on. In cases like this, the best thing to do is to see somebody to try and talk about your experience.