Feeling low in summer? Pay attention to summer depression and high temperatures | Air conditioning | Depression
"Air conditioning WIFI and watermelon, blooming in the scorching summer." In the eyes of many people, the particularly happy summer may be a painful torment for others. In recent years, summer depression has received increasing attention. What is summer depression, what are the factors that cause it, and how to prevent and treat it? The reporter conducted an interview on this matter. Experts point out that summer depression needs to be given more attention.
The mental health department of Shanxi Norman Bethune Hospital is currently receiving treatment for the patient.
When it comes to summer, I become lazy
Recently, Ren Yan, Deputy Chief Physician of the Mental Health Department at Shanxi Norman Bethune Hospital, received a middle-aged female patient. In her son's description, she, who was originally diligent, has recently become "lazy" and "doesn't want to do anything, doing anything is just acceptable.". In front of the doctor, the patient didn't feel sick and said, "I'm not sick, I'm just lazy."
"Actually, this is very likely an emotional disorder," Ren Yan said. After in-depth consultation, the patient was ultimately diagnosed with summer depression.
Experts explain that summer depression, also known as summer affective disorder, is a type of seasonal affective disorder. Unlike winter emotional disorders, summer emotional disorders often begin to appear in late spring and early summer, improve in cool autumn, and are more likely to occur in the following summer. In addition to the common symptoms of depression such as low mood, decreased interest, delayed thinking, and physical discomfort, summer depression patients are also more prone to irritability and anxiety. "With the increase of hot weather, depression in summer may tend to be high, which needs special attention," said Zhang Xiangyang, a researcher at the Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Why does summer depression come about
Experts point out that the occurrence of summer depression is related to the climate characteristics of summer. Summer weather is hot, with stronger sunlight and disturbance from mosquitoes and insects, which often leads to insufficient sleep, decreased appetite, and increased physical discomfort. It can easily cause low mood, boredom, and anxiety, leading to psychological disorders.
"We pay close attention to the patient's eating and sleeping conditions during consultations, as these two factors are directly related to emotions." Ren Yan said that a characteristic of patients who receive consultations in summer is that it is difficult to fall asleep due to the hot weather, or even if they fall asleep, it is difficult to enter deep sleep. They wake up early at dawn and have poor sleep quality. Coupled with a lack of appetite to eat, they are prone to mental and psychological problems after a period of time.
Summer depression is also related to some social and psychological factors. Zhang Xiangyang said that as summer days lengthen and social activities increase, the corresponding social pressure will also increase. If not guided in a timely manner, it is easy to develop emotional problems.
Several experts have pointed out that teenagers are often a high-risk group for summer depression, due to the disruption of their original life patterns and social circles. Some children may fall into a chaotic lifestyle, become addicted to games, and lack social interaction, which can easily lead to emotional problems.
More attention is needed to the sadness under the bright sun
The reporter learned from the interview that although the term summer depression has a long history, the public's understanding of this disease is still far from sufficient. "Some people have no concept of summer depression and feel that it is normal to have bad sleep and mood when the weather is hot. However, if it is really summer depression, it must be treated as soon as possible, otherwise it may gradually worsen, which is very dangerous," said Zhang Xiangyang.
Experts point out that if you feel uncomfortable or emotionally unstable due to high temperatures, you can consciously keep yourself in a relatively cool environment, such as blowing the air conditioning, taking a cold shower, etc., which can help you get out of anxious and depressed emotions.
"Exercise is very helpful for improving emotions and treating psychological disorders," Ren Yan said. Exercise can help the body release stress hormones such as cortisol, while secreting pleasurable dopamine and endorphins, thereby reducing anxiety and depression. "You can exercise in the morning and evening, or choose cool activities such as swimming, the key is to get active."
Experts remind that once you realize that you have emotional problems, you should seek support from family and friends as well as help from professionals in a timely manner. If you find that people around you have a tendency towards depression such as sustained low mood in summer, you should remind them to seek medical attention as soon as possible, and provide more tolerance and companionship to help them overcome the quagmire of emotional heat stroke.
