Women are more likely than men to have it
Dubai Health Authority warns of 3 factors that lead to summer depression
Dr. Hind Al-Awadi: "Seasonal affective disorder is the most prominent health problem that some people may face."
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The Dubai Health Authority has identified three factors that cause summer depression, which a group of society is exposed to annually, which are "high temperature and humidity, changing the daily routine, and financial concerns", pointing out that the complications of summer depression are social isolation, and problems in school or work, other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or an eating disorder, and suicidal thoughts or behavior.
The head of the Health Promotion and Education Department at the authority, Dr. Hind Al-Awadi, stated that many people look at the summer as an opportunity for rest and vacations, and to enjoy its atmosphere and various activities, but there is a group of people who do not find this fun during the summer, as a result of the long hours of heat, and the changes that The occurrences of this separation make them sick.
She explained that “summer depression” is a type of depression related to climatic and life factors associated with the summer, and includes “high temperatures and humidity,” as it causes some biological changes that affect brain chemistry, as well as cause feelings of discomfort, and the desire to stay at home, to escape from Extreme heat, where the air conditioning can be turned on, which may cause a feeling of isolation and laziness, and an unwillingness to do any activity, which exposes the individual to a feeling of depression.
Al-Awadi added that the second factor is a change in the routine of daily life, such as changing sleep times and meal times, as a result of school or university vacations and holidays, and other changes that may stimulate symptoms of depression.
She added that financial fears are the third factor causing summer depression, as enjoying summer times is a bit costly, especially if you want to travel, enjoy various events, or if you want to enroll children in summer clubs or other activities, This financial burden may cause many feelings of anxiety that may sometimes turn into summer depression.
Regarding the most important health problems that some may be exposed to as a result of seasonal changes, Al-Awadi said that seasonal affective disorders are the most prominent of these problems, as it is one of the most health problems that some may experience as a result of different seasons, and seasonal affective disorders are a type of depression that occurs during seasons. specific of the year.
She pointed out that there are two types of seasonal affective disorder, which are: summer depression, whose symptoms start from late spring until early summer, and winter depression, whose symptoms start from late autumn to early winter months.
Regarding the most prominent symptoms of summer depression, Al-Awadi explained that they are sleep disturbance, loss of appetite, weight loss, and feelings of malaise or anxiety.
She pointed out that the most important risk factors that contribute to this disease are the personal history of depression, family history, gender, as women are more susceptible than men, and the geographical range, where it is more common among people who live far north or south of the line. equatoriality. This may be due to less sunlight during the winter, and longer hours during the summer months.
She reported that the complications of summer depression are social isolation, problems at school or work, and other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Al-Awadi explained that treatment of summer depression requires the patient to talk to his health care provider, about the treatment or group of treatments that is best for him, as the treatments are divided into four main categories, which can be used alone or in combination, such as light therapy, psychotherapy, and vitamin ( D), antidepressants.
Medical Advice
The head of the Health Promotion and Education Department at the authority, Dr. Hind Al-Awadi, provided tips for individuals to deal with summer depression, the most important of which are:
■ Ask for help.
■ advance planning.
■ Continue to exercise.
■ Talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication.
■ Plan the family carefully.
■ Avoid self pressure.
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