Autumn depression, also known as “autumn sadness,” is a seasonal mental illness. The main symptoms include low mood, feeling down, lack of interest in anything, and a sense that life is meaningless…
Why is depression more common in autumn?
1. Lack of sunlight: One of the main causes of autumn depression is the reduced sunlight exposure in autumn. The human biological clock struggles to adapt to the shorter daylight hours, leading to disruptions in physiological rhythms and hormonal imbalances, which in turn cause disturbances in mood and mental state.
2. Environmental impact: With the cooling weather and the desolation of nature, this environment can easily trigger negative emotions in people. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, summer is associated with the element of fire, being the time of maximum yang energy, so people expend a lot of energy during summer. Autumn is the season for replenishing energy. If the body does not supplement adequately or appropriately during this time, it can easily lead to psychological issues, with depression being one of them.
3. Impact of lifestyle habits: Overeating or extreme dieting can lead to low moods. Furthermore, staying up late and not getting enough rest can easily lead to problems over time.
4. High life pressure: The pressures of life and work, combined with changes in autumn weather, can make people increasingly irritable in such situations.
Preventing autumn depression is key
1. Increase exposure to sunlight and light
Getting a certain amount of sunlight or artificial light each day can help alleviate autumn depression. On cloudy days or during early mornings and late evenings when there’s no sunlight, it’s advisable to turn on all the lighting devices in your home or office to brighten the indoors. Engaging in activities in this well-lit environment can help boost mood and eliminate depressive feelings.
2. Communicate more with others
Do not suppress your worries; talk more with family, friends, teachers, or psychologists.
3. Pay attention to a scientific lifestyle
Getting enough sleep is crucial, but low moods can easily lead to insomnia. Dieting excessively to lose weight can also cause irritability, so balanced nutrition and proper meals are very important for the body. Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to feelings of gloom, emptiness, and irritability. Engaging in regular physical exercise can help regulate brain and visceral functions, as well as improve mood and maintain a positive mindset.
4. Use medication wisely to improve depression
Traditional Chinese medicine generally categorizes depression as a type of stasis disorder, often manifesting as liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency. In this case, considering the use of Zhongjing brand Xiaoyao Pills can alleviate various symptoms caused by liver qi stagnation. Xiaoyao Pills consist of Chaihu, Danggui, Baishao, Baizhu, Fuling, Gancao, Bohe, and Shengjiang. They have functions of soothing the liver and relieving stasis, nourishing blood, consolidating yin, strengthening the spleen, dispelling dampness, and benefiting qi. They can disperse stagnation and promote the flow of qi in the liver, achieving effects of nourishing blood, strengthening the spleen, and balancing qi and blood.
Another category of depression patients often shows signs of heart and spleen deficiency. The basic treatment methods focus on tonifying the heart and spleen, calming the mind, and settling the spirit. The spleen is the source of qi and blood production. Ingredients such as Codonopsis, Astragalus, Baizhu, and roasted licorice in the Guizhi Pills are mild and warming tonics for the spleen and heart; Danggui and longan meat nourish blood; sour jujube seed, Polygala, and Fuling calm the heart and settle the spirit. A large amount of qi and blood tonics can be cloying and hinder the stomach, so adding Mu Xiang helps regulate qi and invigorate the spleen. The overall formula seeks to replenish both qi and blood, emphasizing qi replenishment aimed at generating blood; nourishing both the heart and spleen focuses on spleen treatment; regulating qi to invigorate the spleen ensures nourishment without stagnation, making it a good remedy for treating depression due to deficiency.
If depression patients exhibit both heart blood deficiency and liver qi stagnation, they may also take Zhongjing brand Guizhi Pills and Zhongjing brand Xiaoyao Pills simultaneously.
