Summer Depression Should Be Considered

Experts, who state that winter type depressions are mostly accompanied by melancholy, draw attention to the fact that overreaction to mild stimuli is more dominant in summer type depression.

Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir made evaluations about the relationship between the sleep cycle and depression.

There is a relationship between the sleep cycle and depression

Stating that there is a relationship between cyclical rhythms and depression, Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir said, “There is a relationship between the seasons and rhythms such as the menstrual cycle and depression. At the beginning of the cyclic rhythms is the day-night cycle. At this point, sleep is one of the strongest signs of well-being and depression.” said.

Sleep problems can be a sign of depression

Stating that sleep may decrease or increase according to the subtype of depression, Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir said, “It may be difficult to fall asleep, sleep may be interrupted, you may wake up in the morning and not be able to sleep again. Apart from these, the time of sleep may slip. It's like going to sleep early and waking up early, sleeping late and getting up late. The latter condition is a symptom of illness as well as a risk factor for depression or even bipolar disorder.” warned.

Regular sleep is a necessity for maintaining mental health

prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir, “A regular and proper sleep is one of the main requirements for maintaining mental health. Especially in summer, sunlight, air temperature, and the temperature difference between day and night have a relationship with energy and a sense of well-being.

There is also summer-type seasonal depression.

Stating that there are depressions according to the seasons, Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir said, “Although there are more known winter depressions, there are also summer-type seasonal depressions. While winter-type depressions are characterized by melancholy, summer-type irritability, that is, overreaction to mild stimuli, is more dominant. Both types carry risks in terms of alcohol and substance use disorders.” warned.

Exposure to sunlight for at least half an hour

Noting that phototherapy is an important treatment option in winter-type seasonal depressions, Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir said, “In an instrument developed for this purpose, the patient is asked to look at the light source at certain intervals and for certain periods of time. These periods and the time interval in which the application will be made are determined according to the condition of the patient. As a preventative, I recommend that every individual be exposed to sunlight for at least half an hour daily.” gave advice.