Although winter depression is more common, spring asthenia is more difficult to bear, say doctors, who also give some advice on how to recognize and combat this seasonal affective disorder.
Spring Asthenia – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment – Photo Archive
Springtime malaise is more dangerous than wintertime depression, say researchers, who have noted that the suicide rate rises starting in May. Moreover, recent studies in the US show that hospital admissions for hypomanic or manic episodes are higher in the spring, according to Medical News Today.
Spring asthenia is a seasonal affective disorder, a phenomenon that includes changes on the body and psyche, influenced by circadian rhythms, the external environment and hormonal changes. Specifically, we feel exhausted, easily irritable and melancholy or even depressed because of the change of season.
“Spring asthenia is a state of fatigue and exhaustion that occurs at the change of season, due to the change in time and light“, says Mirela Husaru, counselor in emotional development
Less clear reasons
The causes of spring depression are not so clear, but there is a scientific basis for the phenomenon. Among them are changes in the circadian rhythm, temperature fluctuations, pollen and allergies caused by it, but also hormonal and neurochemical changes.
Disrupted circadian rhythms can affect brain regions involved in mood, but can also cause fatigue and low energy from lack of sleep, explained expert Joseph Takahashi, professor and chair of the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. . Research by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine shows that we sleep 40 minutes less in the days after daylight saving time. Doctors say that responsible for spring lethargy is the hypothalamus, the gland in the brain that is responsible for regulating sleep temperature and appetite, among other things. This is affected by the change of season.
More hours of daylight also puts us in a state of alertness, which can prevent us from getting enough rest, making us more tired, more irritable, and less motivated to perform. daily tasks.
At the same time, pollen allergy is another factor associated with spring asthenia, and this year the season started even earlier than normal in Europe due to climate change. It's clear that a runny nose, itchy eyes, more frequent sneezing can't make us calmer or happier, experts say.
“The physical body and connection to the state of mind is powerful. Pollen leads to inflammation in the body and this inflammation can have a negative impact on mood“says Naomi Torres-Mackie, a clinical psychologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York and head of research at the Mental Health Coalition.
How we recognize the symptoms
The signs of fatigue associated with spring appear regularly, around the same time each year. Low energy, sadness, disturbed sleep or appetite are among the symptoms we can have in the spring. Women are generally more prone to such conditions.
Physical and mental fatigue tops the list of symptoms. We can feel drained of energy, and that's because we don't get restful sleep due to the disruption of the circadian rhythm. We could also have difficulty concentrating and mood swings. Headaches or loss of appetite may also occur during this transition period. However, symptoms can vary from person to person.
Symptoms normally last no more than three weeks, doctors say.
Symptoms of spring asthenia
- Feelings of sadness
- Lack of hope
- Disinterest in routine activities
- Low energy
- Lethargy
- Restlessness, anxiety
- Insomnia or sleep problems
- Concentration problems
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Unusual irritability
- Headaches
- Feelings of anger
- Suicidal thoughts
How to beat spring asthenia
“Although not a serious condition, it can affect quality of life and performance in daily activities. It is a period of readaptation of the body and we can help it with more rest and following a sleep schedule. We can take advantage of the generous supply of fresh vegetables and make healthy choices full of vitamins in our diet. We can plan an outdoor walk to relieve fatigue. And if we do this walk together with someone close to us, then the gain is double. It is a good time to try new things and we can choose to do yoga or mindfulness exercises. By accepting the present and change, we can adapt and evolve in a positive and constructive way. And last but not least, to accept things as they are and welcome the spring asthenia as an opportunity for growth, development and change“, advises certified counselor in emotional development Mirela Husaru, who follows the Compassionate Inguiry training program, supported by Gabor Mate.
Movement also has its role in preparing the body for the new season. Specialists recommend that we exercise between 7.00 and 8.00 or between 13.00 and 17.00, to help calibrate the biological clock.
