From the Psychology Clinic of VM Medical Park Samsun Hospital, Psk. Anıl Özcan made statements about the effects of the longest night on our mood. Stating that the longest night was experienced and the scientific start of the winter season was accepted as 21 December, Psk said. Özcan said, “The decrease in the activities we do outside during the day due to less use of daylight, early darkness and cold weather can cause depression in people with a tendency. December 21 is the day we see the longest darkness and the shortest daylight. Sunlight releases the most serotonin hormone, the happiness hormone, on humans. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that gives people a feeling of happiness, vitality and vitality. Its deficiency results in a depressed, tired, shy mood, ”she said.
“Make use of daylight as much as possible”
Expressing that pessimistic and negative thoughts may arise more today, when the weather is cold and dark the most, Psk. Özcan noted that people who have difficulty in coping with these thoughts may experience stress and fall into depression more easily. Stating that on the days when the weather gets dark early, depending on the seasons, which we call seasonal depression, it usually starts in the fall and continues throughout the winter, and states that the person feels constantly tired and unhappy, Psk said. Özcan said, “Seasonal depression starts at the same time every year and ends at the same time. With the cold weather and the shortening of the days, the person can be sad for no reason, not being happy about anything, decrease in interest in the social environment, decrease in sexual desire, and decrease in family and friend relationships. Sometimes this can happen in the form of crying easily, getting angry easily, or not feeling anything. To minimize these symptoms and enjoy the moment, we should make the most of daylight on December 21st. Outdoor walks during the day, breathing exercises, increasing our mobility, adding different focal points (hobbies, sports) into our lives, paying attention to our sleeping and eating patterns will help us feel better, get away from stress and enjoy the moment.
