Recently, Rose Hill Center’s Cheryl Wallace and Jessica Davis were featured in multiple publications, including the Macomb Daily. Our Vice President of Services, Cheryl Wallace, took the time to speak about the misconceptions about changing seasons and depression. In fact, spring arrival is no cure for depression.
Why Spring Arrival is No Cure For Depression
Overall, the spring and summer months are actually a time with an increase of suicide attempts. Many people don’t recognize this, as there is a misconception that winter months can cause depression and anxiety, known as seasonal affective disorder.
“The general public tends to think that winter — with seasonal affect disorder (SAD) — is connected to higher rates of suicide, but that’s simply not true,” Wallace told the Oakland Press. “We are natural beings and our serotonin is affected by winter months. We slow down and kind of hibernate, but in the spring, when sunshine actually brings more energy, we see more suicides because of that very same energy.”
As you can see, an increase in serotonin can make a major impact in an individual’s depression symptoms. The severity can actually increase overall due to the better weather.
An increase in social activity can also play a role. Specifically, this usually increases anxiety in many people who face depression. This is why it’s important to understand that Spring arrival is no cure for depression after all.
Importance of Medication Management
It’s also important to recognize that medication management is key to overcoming a mental illness. A medication that will eventually help you, may first hinder cause an increase in energy that affects your anxiety or depression.
“One of the most dangerous times for someone with mental illness is when that individual is prescribed a medication that will eventually help them,” Wallace said during the interview. “Initially, one can get increased energy, which can get the person to follow through on their thoughts of suicide. It could take as long as a month before the beneficial effects of the medicine can be experienced. Side effects also can be too much for some people to cope with, making them even more vulnerable to suicide.”
All of these factors play a role into why Spring arrival is no cure for depression in today’s society. Therefore, you need to seek help whenever you recognize suicidal thoughts or growing depression and anxiety in your life.
Learn More About Rose Hill Center Today
Are you currently struggling with depression in your life? If so, reach out to Rose Hill Center today at 866-367-0220. We offer a variety of mental health services, including dual diagnosis treatment and severe depression treatment. Learn more about why Spring arrival is no cure for depression and get the help you deserve today at Rose Hill in Holly, Michigan.
