SPRING INTO ACTION: CLIMATE CHANGE AND DEPRESSION

Climate change denial is a real thing. There are websites devoted to disproving claims of climate change and its impact within our communities. In the Vanity Fair article, “Donald Trump Still Doesn’t Believe in Climate Change,” Isobel Thompson writes, “the president doesn’t appear to believe in climate change at all.”  

But some people will think and say anything. If we leave it up to the weather experts at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), we can begin to understand the issue of climate change more effectively. “Multiple sectors of our society, spanning across regional boundaries, are being affected.”

Futhermore, the impacted includes things that we depend on and value such as “water, energy, transportation, wildlife, agriculture, ecosystems, and human health.”

The first day of spring meant that the flowers were beginning to bloom and the days were getting warmer. Not this year. March 20th saw New York City plagued with its fourth Nor’easter storm bringing snow and heavy winds.

Climate change is real and in full effect.

 

WHAT IS CLIMATE CHANGE

At its core function, climate change is the variation in patterns of average recorded weather and temperature. Some may closely relate climate change with global warming; however, global warming refers to the human-caused effects of weather-related deviations.

For example, the burning of fossil fuels, greenhouse gases, and CO2 emissions. In order to fully understand climate change, we must begin to reflect and look out the role we play in taking care of the environment and essentially the planet.

WHAT IS SEASONAL DEPRESSION

The given term is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This depression relates to the change in weather and usually occurs during the beginning of spring or early summer.

Vitamin D is essential to our moods. Without sunlight, a person’s mood can be greatly altered for the worst. According to heathline.com, sunlight triggers the release of hormones in the brain. The health site says, “Exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin.” In this cold weather, we could all use a mood boost.

That old adage, “winter blues” is nothing one can simply get over. You have to be proactive in combating seasonal depression. It affects not only your mood, but also sleep which can be a detriment to your day job, weight loss, or anxiety. While I am not an expert, it may be worth visiting a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

But if the days are getting colder with less sunlight, how can I enhance my mood and enjoy the transition between seasons?

SPRING INTO ACTION

In order to protect your mental health and well-being, you have to be proactive. This is important:

One way you can try to pick up your mood is through focusing on your breaths and meditating. By immersing yourself in the complete moment, you can retrain your thoughts to focus on the positives. Take a few seconds in the morning to guide and set your intentions for the day. At lunch, take a 5-minute break to meditate. There are a handful of smartphone applications that can help. I use the Insight Timer app if you need a starter and beginner application. Also, see Wellvyl’s article “The New Yorker’s Meditation.”

Another suggestion to beat SAD is a happy light. It is a natural energy light that mimics daylight to deliver a ray of white light to brighten and enhance moods. Phototherapy is often recommended to combat SAD. If you know a friend that has one, be sure to ask to borrow it. You will probably lose that friend because you will not want to give it back.

Most importantly, you must remember that perception is a reality. With hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters occurring more frequently, it can cause post-traumatic stress and create higher levels of anxiety. Try to focus on the positives in your life along with the many relationships that you share.

After all, if you live in New York City, you can do anything you set your mind to. Be kind to those that you come across. A simple, hello or an excuse me can change someone’s day for the better. We don’t know what people are experiencing in their lives, but we can have a beneficial impact on their lives by being better people.

Climate change is real. Seasonal depression is real. You are real. Take the steps to better yourselves every day and watch your happiness blossom. Most of all, be better and live better.

 
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