Are Monsoon Blues Real? Understanding the Relation Between Rainy Season and Feeling Gloomy

Monday blues we hear, but did you know that feeling blue or sad when it rains is really something? Seasonal changes affect our mood and our health.

Perhaps the smell of fresh earth is not for everyone. Maybe the romantic version of the rain is not how everyone sees it. Maybe the rains don’t make everyone happy. Sunlight is often associated with happiness, while rain showers can bring sadness. Many people often say that the dark sky and the rains make them a little low in energy, a little gloomy.

Researchers at Brigham Young University have introduced the term “monsoon blues” to describe the phenomenon of mood disorders that people experience on rainy days when sunlight is scarce. This study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, sheds light on the connection between weather conditions and emotional well-being.

WHY DO WE HAVE MONDAY BLUES?

There are various reasons that can give rise to monsoon blues. To better understand the reality of the monsoon blues, india.com contacted experts. When asked if monsoons really exist, Dr Austin Fernandes, a psychiatrist at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, agreed with the phenomena. He has further said that the monsoon or rainy season can have a noticeable effect on people’s moods and emotions. While some people experience joy and excitement from the rain, a prolonged period of wet weather can cause feelings of sadness and dejection in others. This isn’t just a feeling that occurs randomly, there’s proper science to back up how the season affects our moods.

1. Limited sunlight: During the monsoon season, the sky is often overcast and cloudy, resulting in less sunlight. Sunlight plays a fundamental role in regulating mood and the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with well-being. Lack of sunlight can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms, causing mood swings and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in susceptible people.
2. Disruption of outdoor activities: The heavy rains and cloudy weather that accompany the monsoon season often limit opportunities for outdoor activities and socializing. This confinement indoors can lead to feelings of boredom, restlessness, and isolation, which can contribute to a negative mood.
3. Physical discomfort: The monsoon season is often accompanied by increased humidity, humidity, and a higher incidence of mosquitoes and insects. These physical discomforts can increase people’s irritability and general unhappiness, contributing to a negative emotional state.
4. Impact on daily routines: Unpredictable weather conditions during the monsoon season can disrupt daily activities and routines. Travel difficulties, canceled plans and general inconveniences can lead to frustration and low spirits.
5. Association with past experiences: For some people, the rainy season can trigger memories of past negative experiences, such as personal loss or difficult life events. These associations can cause feelings of sadness or melancholy during the following rainy seasons.

Although the monsoon season can trigger negative emotions in some people, it is important to remember that everyone can react differently to the same weather conditions. Some people find comfort and peace in the rain, enjoy its soothing sound, or appreciate the opportunity for indoor leisure activities.

HOW TO OVERCOME THE BLUE OF THE MONSOON?

To counteract the negative effects of the monsoon season on mood, people can engage in activities that promote well-being, such as practicing self-care, maintaining a balanced daily routine, seeking social support, engaging in hobbies, or exercising in interiors and exposure. in natural light when possible. If persistent feelings of sadness or low mood become a concern, it is advisable to contact a health professional for further guidance and support.