Monsoons and Mental Health

When we think of the rains and the monsoon, we often picture a beautiful rainy day in the months of July and August. The skies are cloudy with a grayish tint, the weather is cool and wet, and the crashing sound of raindrops rings in our ears. All through the heated summers, all we can think of is the cold weather and us seated by the window pane, tucked in our covers, sipping on some hot tea and pakoras. Oh! It's such a cozy and refreshing feeling, one that we never want to let go of. But while some of us look forward to this, there are also some who experience a dreadful feeling as the rains come in.

During this time of the year, some individuals experience a strong mood change and difficulty managing their emotions. Some of them also experience a lack of motivation, low energy levels, lethargy, sadness, brain fog, physical illness, appetite changes, and sleep changes. The constant dull weather, wet land, and moisture mixed with dust present in the air could also trigger symptoms of depression. This feeling is very often referred to as the "Monsoon Blues". If this persists, it can hamper an individual's daily functioning, leading to suicidal thoughts and engaging in self-harm behaviours.

You may be wondering, Why does it happen despite the monsoons being so beautiful?

During the monsoons, there is a lack of sunlight and an abundance of rain; the skies are dark throughout the day. Due to this, our circadian rhythms, which control our sleep, are affected. Because of the lack of sunlight, our body is deprived of vitamin D, and the secretion of serotonin and melatonin is also hampered, which results in mood changes, quality of sleep, appetite, and daily functioning. Additionally, the constant change in temperature and the unhygienic surroundings, combined with the dampness and humidity, give rise to diseases. Lastly, the constant flooding, the inadequate drainage systems, and the fear of natural disasters could also make one feel anxious when stepping out.

So what can we do to help ourselves or our loved ones if they are experiencing the monsoon blues?

1. Engage in physical exercise such as yoga or the gym.

2. Follow a schedule.

3. Engage in activities that bring you joy and excitement.

4. Spend time with your loved ones playing board games, having movie nights, or attending dinner parties.

5. Expose yourself to the sunlight whenever you can.

6. Have balanced meals.

7. Use preventive measures while stepping out of the house.

8. Engage in self-care.

9. Re-arrange your living space.

10. Work on your anxiety by going to therapy.

11. Consult your doctor for vitamin supplements and other medications.

12. If you notice your symptoms are not getting better, seek professional help.

Although the monsoon may not be everyone’s cup of tea, with a few ways of dealing with it, we can all try to enjoy the season in a beautiful and healthy way.

Disclaimer: This blog post is meant for awareness/entertainment purposes only. It is not medical advice and one must refrain from self-diagnosing. It is in no way a substitute for therapy with a mental health professional and it is not meant to be clinical. To consult with a psychotherapist on our team, you can contact us on fettle.counselling@gmail.com.