Many people associate winter with depression. If you’ve heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder, you’ve probably associated it with winter, for example. Some people experience Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, which occurs during the summer months. Less common, but still an issue for some people, is spring depression. This is recurring depression that people experience during the springtime months. If you have experienced depression in two or more springtimes, you might want to consider the potential reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of spring depression.
Allergies May Causes Spring Depression
Spring is the time when plants and flowers start to bloom, which can trigger seasonal allergies for some people. Allergy symptoms such as congestion, fatigue, and irritability can contribute to depression. Allergies trigger an immune response that causes inflammation in the body. Inflammation has been linked to depression, as it can affect neurotransmitters and other chemicals in the brain that regulate mood. Similarly, dealing with the symptoms of allergies, such as congestion, itchy eyes, or headaches, can be stressful and overwhelming. Chronic stress has been linked to depression and other mental health issues.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
With daylight savings time and longer days, some people may experience disruptions in their sleep patterns, which can affect mood and contribute to depression. Changes in daylight hours during the spring can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm. This can cause sleep disturbances and affect the regulation of hormones and neurotransmitters that impact mood.
Note that allergies can also cause sleep changes, further relating to spring depression. While SAD is more commonly associated with winter months, some people may experience a milder form of SAD in the spring. Symptoms can include difficulty sleeping, low mood, and fatigue.
Lack of Routine
With the arrival of spring, some individuals may experience disruptions in their daily routines or schedules. This can be particularly difficult for individuals who thrive on structure or who struggle with anxiety. Feeling like they have lost control over their daily routine can contribute to feelings of depression or a sense of disorientation. If Spring Break, Easter vacation, and the changing hours of daylight dramatically impact you, this could be relevant for you.
Pressure to Socialize in Spring
Spring is a time when people may feel pressure to be social and participate in outdoor activities or events. For some people, this can be overwhelming or lead to feelings of inadequacy or isolation. If you have social anxiety, it can trigger this as well. There are also a number of spring weddings you might feel expected to attend.
Transition Times
Spring is a time of transition. The stress of this can lead to or exacerbate symptoms of depression. Transitions can include the end of the school year, upcoming summer weddings, moving to a new location for summer, etc.
Unrealistic Expectations
Spring is often associated with new beginnings and fresh starts, which can create pressure to make changes or achieve goals. Unrealistic expectations or self-imposed pressure can contribute to feelings of inadequacy or failure. This can show up in a number of ways:
- Pressure to achieve fitness goals: With the warmer weather and the start of outdoor activities, some people may feel pressure to achieve certain fitness goals, such as losing weight or building muscle. Setting unrealistic or overly ambitious fitness goals can lead to feelings of failure or inadequacy if they are not met.
- Expectations around spring cleaning: Spring is often associated with cleaning and decluttering, and some people may feel pressure to deep clean their homes or tackle major organization projects. Setting unrealistic expectations around cleaning or organizing can contribute to feelings of overwhelm or failure if these goals are not achieved.
- Unrealistic expectations around productivity: With the arrival of spring, some people may feel pressure to be more productive or get more done. Setting unrealistic expectations around productivity or time management can contribute to feelings of stress or failure if these goals are not met. If you
These things can contribute to depression. Additionally, if you already experience depression, the fatigue and overwhelm of the condition can lead to these things feeling even bigger than they already do.
Disappointment with the Season
For some individuals, the arrival of spring may not live up to their expectations or may not bring the same joy and excitement as it does for others. They may feel disappointed with the weather or the lack of activities available in their area. This can contribute to feelings of depression, particularly if they feel like they are missing out on something.
Financial Stress
Spring can bring added financial stress, particularly if there are expenses associated with outdoor activities, vacations, graduations, holidays, and weddings. For individuals who are already struggling with financial difficulties, this added stress can exacerbate feelings of depression or anxiety.
Past Traumas
For some people, spring may be associated with traumatic events or anniversaries that trigger depression or anxiety. For example, if you experienced an accident or big loss during the springtime months, you might find this time of year challenging.
While these are some of the most common causes of spring depression, they might not be related to your own experience. Each person’s experience of depression is unique. Therefore, it’s important to work with a therapist to help you figure out what you need in order to begin to feel differently. Contact us today to find the therapist who is right for you.
Additional Helpful Links:
- How to Spring Clean Your Mental Health
- Spring Treatment: Walking Outside as Natural Resourcing
- Keeping Plants Improves Mental Health
Note: ChatGPT generates some of our content for us on this website. However, all articles are edited and supplemented with original content by one of our professional writers who has a Masters degree in psychological studies.