Weather has an effect on emotions. Everyone has had the blues on a rainy day, or felt bright and cheery when the sun is shining. The specifics often hinge on sunlight and cloud cover; areas with a lot of sunshine report fewer cases of depression, while those with long winters or a great deal of cloud cover report a higher frequency of sadness and depression. The exact causes remain unknown.
SAD
The most severe form of weather-based emotion is known as SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. Patients exhibit signs of severe hopelessness or anxiety, particularly during the winter months, or during periods when the sun never comes out.
Circadian Rhythm
The circadian rhythm is better known as the internal clock, regulating your body's sleep cycle and similar pattern-based behavior. Some studies suggest that shorter days and reduced sunlight may disrupt your circadian rhythm, leading to irritability and depression.
Melatonin & Serotonin
Some scientists theorize that melatonin (a hormone related to sleep) and serotonin (a neurotransmitter that affects mood) can be influenced by changes in the weather. Serotonin levels sometimes drop during lengthy periods of cloud cover, and melatonin levels rise during the colder months of the year.
Genetics
Some people tend to be psychologically affected by the weather more than others. People with SAD often have family members with the same disorder, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the condition.
Treatment
For most people, getting over the weather is simply a case of finding an activity to cheer them up. Those who suffer from SAD or are simply more sensitive to weather changes can speak to their doctor about antidepressant medication, or ask about light therapy (sitting near a light box).
Tags: cloud cover, circadian rhythm