The doctor explained how the seasons affect our psyche

Elena Šivickienė, the head of the Šeškinė Outpatient Clinic Center, commented more on what to do to keep our well -being for the rest of the year.

– How do people last, the bright time of the day?

– The longing days really have a positive effect on our psyche. During the summer period, we notice a decrease in mood disorders even to a level that some people no longer have to take medication.

– What about short days and dark time of year?

– Day light has a great influence on our mood and mental health. We even have the term – seasonal mood disorders. In the autumn and winter, especially when these periods are dark, prolonged mood worsening is noticeable, and depression, anxiety and sleep disorders are increasing.

Photo by J. Elinsk / ELTA

– How do people change the seasons?

– Actually, this can be explained even in biochemical way. Sunlight affects several things in our body. For example, serotonin, the so -called happiness hormone, is produced by sunlight. He is responsible for mood regulation and energy level. The melatonin is also important – the sleep hormone, which regulates our inner biological clock, determines when we should get up or go to bed.

In the morning, when there is more light, it is easier for us to wake up because of less melatonin. In the twilight or evening, melatonin produces more and that encourages our desire to go to bed. Also, screens in the evening disturb this process – melatonin does not produce, which can disrupt sleep. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid screens in the evening.

– Although the days are getting longer now, they will start to shorten at the end of June. Are the remaining two summer months, or even a beautiful September or beginning of October, a little help in maintaining well -being?

– Definitely so. The summer period is the time we should be as much as possible outside, especially in the first half of the day. Being in direct sunlight promotes the production of seratonin, helps regulate melatonin production, promotes vitamin D production, which is very important that the mood is adjusted and good.

Full LNK Report – In Video:

– Is it possible to get light somehow if it is missing?

– Light is so important for our mental health that it is used even as a treatment method – light therapy. We apply light therapy for people with mood disorders, especially seasonal – oscillations are directly related to mood swings. This therapy takes place artificially created but reflects the natural daylight in the light. Even in the dark time of the year, it is important to go outside, because even on a cloudy day there is enough light that benefits our body.

– Is there a growing number of people who cross the dark time of year through mood?

– I would not say that such people are increasing or decreasing. There have always been some people who are sensitive to changes in seasons. It is important for such people to be more outdoors even in a darker period, to get as many natural light as possible and to avoid screens in the evening. However, if a person feels that he / she is unable to manage independently, it is very important to seek timely for help – a psychologist, a psychiatrist or a family doctor.