Seasonal Depression

Jaelee Calk, Staff Writer

Have you found that certain weather may lower your mood? If so, then there are many reasons for this, as well as other people experiencing the same thing. According to self.com, if you tend to be more gloomy in colder weather (fall-winter), it’s because of the lack of sunlight. Or it may even be the opposite, where sunnier times make you more depressed. Our bodies rely on sunlight, it raises levels of serotonin and dopamine (which are two chemicals in your brain that make you feel happier), so without it, people are more likely to feel depressed rather than feeling okay. When we lack sunshine, we tend to be more depressed but sometimes it isn’t that noticeable. Daylight helps you stay more awake, and without it, you may either sleep more or sleep less, and the gloomier weather can make you not want to do anything, which can surprisingly impact your mood. According to harmonybaywellness.com, atmospheric pressure changes with rainy and darker days which actually worsens the body’s pain levels by causing pressure in both the nerves and joints. Due to the pain, it may lead to a lack of motivation and energy, making their mood worse. Sunlight has a positive effect on humans, and moods generally, so if there is no sunlight, your mental health may deteriorate; especially if you spend time indoors more rather than those who spend a lot of their time outdoors.