Why Fall Frequently enough Brings on the Blues adn Depression
As the days grow shorter, sunlight diminishes, and cloudy, gray weather becomes more common – especially with the upcoming switch to winter time on the night of Saturday, October 25th to Sunday, October 26th – many people experience a dip in mood, increased fatigue, or even illness. But is this simply due to the change in season? The answer, according to experts, is more complex.
The reduction in light significantly impacts our health, “inducing a drop in immunity,” explains general practitioner and emergency physician Joseph Ingrassia. Becoming sick further exacerbates the issue, leading to less activity, fewer social interactions, and a possibly isolating experience. Psychologist Évelyne Josse notes that “loneliness, which can be accompanied by a feeling of isolation, can lead to depression.” The return to routines following the summer break, including the start of the school year, also contributes “additional stress and hassle” that weakens the immune system.
this creates a cyclical pattern where factors reinforce each other.Viruses thrive in colder weather, causing isolation and potentially depression, which in turn negatively impacts immunity. Dr. Ingrassia points out the prevalence of numerous viruses, including many benign and even currently unknown ones, contributing to minor illnesses like colds and gastrointestinal issues.
It’s not merely a perception; autumn is demonstrably linked to an increased risk of depression or general unease compared to spring or summer. While winter itself isn’t necessarily a time of great joy, it’s significant to differentiate between the “winter blues” and clinical winter depression.The “winter blues,” affecting approximately 10% of the population, involves a drop in energy, bouts of depression, irritability, and cravings for fatty and sugary foods. True “winter depression,” impacting 2-4% of the population, is a more severe and prolonged condition characterized by fatigue, difficulty getting out of bed, lethargy, sadness, social withdrawal, and changes in appetite.
Contributing to this seasonal downturn is a decrease in physical activity. Shorter days and inclement weather discourage outdoor exercise, yet, as Évelyne Josse emphasizes, “physical activity is known to be a cure for depression.” A more sedentary lifestyle often leads to increased snacking, notably on unhealthy, fatty, and sugary foods, which are detrimental to mental health.
a combination of factors - reduced sunlight,increased viral activity,diminished social connections,poor diet,and decreased physical activity – explains why autumn is a time when many people are more susceptible to depression and feelings of unease.
