Why is the Spring Season Stressing You Out?

Most people associate the budding blooms and bright sunshine of springtime as a happy, cheerful time to celebrate the end of the cold, dark winter months. But some of us actually experience a disruption in mental health at this time of year - and according to The Healthy Place website there are scientific reasons why:

• Changing light: Our circadian rhythms change with the increased length and intensity of sunlight, affecting sleep-wake cycles, energy, and mood. Studies have shown that both suicide rates and manic episodes of bipolar disorder peak during the spring season due to change in our circadian rhythm.
• Differing routines: While it can be refreshing to be able to spend more time outdoors and do different activities, it’s still a change our minds and bodies must adjust to.
• Expectations: If we feel we should be happy and active because it’s spring, the sight of other people enjoying the sunshine can make us hard on ourselves if we simply can’t muster the energy or desire to do so, too.Imposing expectations on ourselves can worsen anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.