Rainy Day Blues

Mumbai is infamous for its three month long rainy season. Over the years, people have become accustomed to the potholes and the flooding. It is a part of the city’s lifestyle.

Apart from the usual cold and cough, the rainy season has a debilitating effect on the mental

health of people. When it is raining heavily, you might feel fatigued and gloomy. You might want to skip work, curl up in bed and go to sleep. A certain kind of lethargy and low mood may be experienced.

It is interesting to note that there is scientific evidence that links lack of sunlight to low levels of serotonin. It has been found that Vitamin D, influenced by sunlight, has a connection with

serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are found in people who experience SAD or seasonal

depression. The Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of a mood disorder. People with

SAD experience depressive symptoms only during a particular season every year. It is mostly

found in places that have long winter months with less sun. The SAD symptoms include

depressed mood, lack of interest in activities, low energy, difficulty in concentration and feeling hopeless and sluggish. The treatment for SAD consists of psychotherapy, light therapy and medications.

Research shows that rainfall can make people feel more comfortable and relaxed. This is due to the increase in negative ion content in the air on a rainy day. The rain sounds are rhythmic and make a ticking sound which makes the brain relax unconsciously. The brain produces alpha waves which makes you feel relaxed. The level of melatonin also increases as the sky becomes darker. Melatonin helps in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and is produced when the environment is dark, inducing sleepiness. Finally, the rainy season can mean spending more time at home or indoors due to the restriction in outdoor activities such as sports and exercise.

Although it may be pouring cats and dogs outside, one can find innovative ways to grab their own dose of sunshine. Some of the popular and simple ways would be to -

● Exercise or Dance

● Cook or order your favourite food

● Talk to or call someone

● Keep the lights switched on in your indoor environment

● Express gratitude for the rains

It is important to know that the above ways are temporary sources of relief. It is essential to talk to a mental health professional if one feels overwhelmed by the seasonal changes in mood.