Park Mental Health expert explains why energy from seasonal change exacerbates depression and how awareness, support saves lives
With the winter months behind us and longer, sunnier days ahead, it’s common for people to experience a renewed sense of energy and mood.
But for those struggling with mental illness, better weather doesn’t always coincide with improvements. In fact, the transition from winter to spring can increase suicide risk for vulnerable individuals.
At Park Mental Health Treatment of San Diego, experts are raising awareness surrounding this concern and encouraging support for those experiencing this occurrence.
“An increase in motivation can provide just enough energy for individuals struggling with severe depression and other disorders to act on suicidal ideations,” said Park Mental Health Program Director Mikayla Weathers.
Suicide rates can be two to three times higher in spring than December, due to disrupted routines and sleep patterns, increased social pressure and environmental shifts, according to research from Johns Hopkins Medicine. Changes in daylight hours alone can disrupt the body’s internal clock, which regulates mood and behavior. In addition, young adults are facing additional academic pressure due to final exams, standardized testing and college admissions.
Without intervention, proper treatment and support, thoughts can lead to substance use disorders, self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide.
Because the risk of increased suicide can be subtle, Park Mental Health is raising awareness about this seasonal pattern by encouraging families and communities to recognize the warning signs of individuals who may be struggling.
They can include emotional symptoms, such as persistent sadness or hopelessness, behavioral changes, like withdrawing from social activities, and physical symptoms that include fatigue or appetite changes.
Changes in sleep patterns, giving away personal belongings, increased substance use, or sudden mood shifts after a period of depression, are other signs to look out for.
“When someone is in emotional pain, they may not always directly ask for help,” Weathers said, adding that’s why it’s so important to pay attention to behavioral changes and take them seriously. “If someone you know appears to be struggling, starting a conversation can be an important first step.”
Asking simple questions such as, “How have you been feeling lately?” or “I’ve noticed you seem overwhelmed—do you want to talk?” gives individuals an opportunity to open up andreminds them they are not alone.
Encouraging professional help is another key step. Park Mental Health offers multiple levels of care and modalities through individualized programming. Along with a combination of therapy, psychiatric care and lifestyle modifications, healthy coping skills are developed to regain stability, build resilience, move toward long-term emotional wellness and find hope, once again.
Those experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide should reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional for support.
