Monsoon fluctuations: That’s why you get rainy days

Whether it’s the lack of sunlight, disruption of daily activities due to rain or constant humidity, monsoon can often be a dull time for many of us. If you’re someone who used to feel down and lazy during the rainy season, it’s not just for you! Climate change can lead to mood swings in the monsoon, especially in people with a history of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

According to a study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, people are more likely to report symptoms of depression when the weather is cloudy or rainy. However, although the rain may cause a feeling of monsoon, it is unlikely to cause depression. Read on to understand the reason for monsoon mood swings, and how to feel better.

What is the change in monsoon?

Sunlight gives us energy and motivates us to get up and go about our daily activities. Often with long periods of rain there is a circadian rhythm produced by sunlight as well as our internal hormone, melatonin. This is disturbing which leads to a change in mood, it can also be classified as mood swings, explains psychologist Rashi Agarwal.

Monsoon can also lead to seasonal depression, which is when a person shows symptoms of depression in other parts of the year, especially on cold and wet days. A study published by the University of Groningen states that less sunlight and a drop in serotonin can result in symptoms of depression or mood swings. However, you don’t have to be stressed about the seasons for the rains to affect your mood. Rains can often make you feel down, or powerless.

What causes changes in monsoons?

A single rain is not responsible for lowering your mood, but conditions caused by rains can make you fall. Read on to find out why we feel sad when it rains:

1. The sunlight is weak

Although the rain can provide relief on a rainy day, this can also be the answer to «why do I feel down during the rainy season?». A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives suggests that sunlight is important in regulating serotonin levels. This is converted into melatonin when we sleep. However, cloudy days tend to block the sun’s rays, and this can disrupt serotonin levels. You may not be able to sleep well, and this can affect your mood.

2. Vitamin D deficiency

Sunlight and vitamin D are very important in our daily activities. Rain can block sunlight, and this can also cause vitamin D deficiency, due to staying indoors for long periods of time. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, says the study, published in Springer Nature.

3. Less physical activity

While you are sitting on your bed, watching the rain will feel so relaxing, loneliness can get to you too. A study published in Transitional Psychiatry suggests that sedentary behavior may increase the risk of depression. Not only is it hard to work outside in the rain, but it seems to make you lazy indoors too.

4. Isolation

Many activities of daily life are disturbed in monsoons like going around and socializing, which keeps people indoors and not in touch with their loved ones. near and dear ones also lead to low emotions.

5. Other reasons

Some people may be associated with bad experiences with rains such as in many areas with past experiences of water flow, flooding and water entering the house. Agarwal explains: “This can often lead to more stress, and ultimately overthinking and negative thinking, leading to depression. Many people have a fear of lightning and thunder as well, which may be primary or linked to past negative experiences, which add to this fear and uncertainty at this time of year.

What is monsoon depression?

Wondering if your monsoon mood swings are similar to monsoon depression? Monsoon depression is not a common term. It has to do with mood swings, and a general feeling of being unhappy or wanting to stay indoors or feeling lazy or depressed during this time. Although this condition is not recognized by doctors, its symptoms are similar to those of depression. «It is well known to people that sudden bad weather makes them feel sad and they can’t do the activities they had planned before. They can’t do the things that make them happy, and in some cases others can’t sleep well,» says Agarwal. Not being able to plan the day, not eating well, even in general, feeling irritated or sometimes sad, crying; these are symptoms of monsoon depression if they last for more than two weeks.

It is important to note that people who have a history of depression themselves in the past, the history of depression tends to develop a new phase during this monsoon.

How to stop the change in monsoon mood?

There are a few ways you can feel better in the rain:

1. Physical exercise

Lots of good physical activity should do the trick! Every day, try to spend 15 to 20 minutes exercising. This will make you happier. A study published in Current Sports Medicine Reports, suggests that exercise improves mood and can be used as a treatment for depression as well.

2. Good sleep

A good night’s rest is important for your happiness. Make sure you stick to a sleep schedule, and try to get out in the sun to get enough vitamin D. This can keep you in good shape as well. Lack of sleep can affect mood, says this study, published by the National Institutes of Health.

3. Connecting with others

It is a good idea to meet people close to you during this time. If a meeting is not possible, connecting with your family and friends via phone or video chat can also boost your mood and make you feel better.

4. Light therapy

There are many light sources that emit the same wavelengths as the sun. Therefore, many people are also ordered to the lambs of the day. The study, published in The Einstein Quarterly Journal of Biology and Medicine, suggests Bright Light Therapy as a treatment for seasonal depression.

Other things like journaling, having a proper schedule and following a hoppy can also help you feel better.

Summary

Rains can often make you feel sad and lonely. Monsoon mood swings are normal and treatable. Sticking to a schedule, whether it’s sunny or cloudy outside, waking up at a certain time, doing our daily household chores, doing physical activities, eating nutritious food and getting a good night’s sleep can help you feel better.