In light of this, Mariska van Aswegen, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics, a pharmaceutical specialising in antidepressant medication and advocate for mental wellness in South Africa, revealed that there was little correlation between mental well-being and good weather.
Van Aswegen said their studies showed that more suicides occur in spring than any other season.
She said, “More suicides occur in springtime than during any other season worldwide, which goes against the notion that depressive symptoms are intensified by cold, dark weather. On an average day, 23 South Africans lose their lives to suicide, and counter intuitively more of these lives are lost when the sun is out.”
Van Aswegen said that people often believe that warm weather makes people happier, when in fact it is often the opposite.
“In spring, there is a tremendous pressure to be happy. The sky is blue, the days are getting warmer and longer, and events like weddings, braais and parties abound,” she said.
“The contrast between what we think we should feel – the joy, the happiness; and what we may feel sad – anxious, irritated or uncomfortable with our body; can lead to feelings of depression. “People who are vulnerable to suicidal behaviour face more challenges when the weather warms and social interaction increases.
“Those who are struggling may feel left out of social engagements – essentially, they feel that the isolation of winter has withdrawn for everyone else except for them.”
Van Aswegen pointed out that people suffering from allergies, particularly hay fever, were at a higher risk of depression. “Headaches, sleeplessness and fatigue associated with allergies, are all symptoms of depression as well. Studies also confirm that changes in allergy symptoms during low and high pollen seasons correspond to changes in patients’ depression and anxiety scores,” she stated.
She said symptoms of clinical depression may include tiredness or loss of energy almost every day.
If any of the above symptoms continue for longer than two weeks, Van Aswegen advised people to seek help from a psychologist or another mental health practitioner.
