Research: How do seasonal transitions affect women?

Stating that the negative effects of seasonal transitions on human psychology and physiology can lead to depression if they last longer than two weeks, Specialist Psychologist Tuğçe Alemdar said, “Especially in the autumn months, the cooling of the weather and the decrease in sunlight cause differences in hormone production. These differences affect women the most.”

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Research: How do seasonal transitions affect women?

Stating that seasonal transitions are one of the factors that affect humans, who are social beings, the most both physically and psychologically, Istanbul Esenyurt University Faculty Member and Specialist Psychologist Tuğçe Alemdar said, “An increase is observed in the serotonin hormone, which we call the happiness hormone, during the summer months. The serotonin hormone makes us feel more energetic. We wake up earlier and start the day stronger.

There is a disruption in the circadian rhythm (the repetition of biochemical, physiological, and behavioral rhythms created on living things by the Earth's rotation around its own axis, which lasts approximately 24 hours) during these transition seasons,” she said.

'IT POSES A DANGER'

Expressing that the melatonin hormone begins to increase with autumn, Specialist Psychologist Tuğçe Alemdar listed the physical and mental effects this hormone causes in humans as follows:

“Symptoms such as difficulty waking up in the morning, tension, restlessness, a constant state of sleepiness, fatigue, aggression, irregular appetite, sadness, depression caused by work stress, anxiety, and hopelessness accompany this symptom. When these are seen, people usually react by saying, ‘It’s just the seasonal transition, it will pass,’ but taking it lightly by saying this poses a danger. Because it can turn into depression in a period longer than two weeks. If these symptoms last longer than two weeks, it is essential to consult a specialist.”

'THEY ARE AFFECTED BECAUSE THEY ARE OUTGOING'

Explaining the reasons why seasonal transitions affect women more, Alemdar said, “Women are affected more because they are structurally more sensitive, more empathetic, and more outgoing. It is also very common in people with a history of depression or those who are genetically predisposed to depression. It is also encountered in people who have a perfectionist structure, are not flexible, or have allergic conditions.

It has been found that there is a link between allergic conditions and depression. It is also very common in people who are closed to social communication and have an introverted personality structure. Indeed, although women are affected more, the symptoms are experienced more severely in men,” she stated.

'IT IS ESSENTIAL TO STAY AWAY FROM STRESS'

Stating that one should first pay attention to sleep patterns to protect against the negative effects of seasonal transitions, Alemdar said, “The bedtime and wake-up time should be the same. Liquid consumption should be avoided one hour before sleep, and food consumption three hours before. Breakfast must be eaten. Because it regulates the sugar in the body and affects emotional fluctuations.

A person should be active during the day. If we have a job where we sit constantly, we should get up and take walks. We should make time for ourselves. Since we are transitioning to an intense period from the summer, the stress load also increases. Therefore, a person needs to make time for themselves and engage in activities where they will feel comfortable and move away from stress. Since forgetfulness will increase, activities such as reading books that are conducive to memory should be done. Most importantly, psychotherapy support should be sought,” she said.

News Source: 12punto