Nonstop Cordillera Rains: How Gloomy Weather Can Affect Your Mood

Days of gray skies, persistent rain and little sunshine can affect more than our daily routines.

After an extended period of rainy weather in the Cordillera, some people may notice that they feel unusually tired, less motivated or simply not like themselves. Others may find themselves sleeping more, staying indoors, withdrawing from friends or losing interest in things they normally enjoy.

There are many possible reasons for these changes, and feeling this way during prolonged bad weather does not automatically mean that a person has depression. However, there is a recognized mental health condition associated with seasonal changes known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression characterized by a recurring seasonal pattern.

It is most commonly associated with fall and winter in countries where daylight hours become significantly shorter. Researchers believe changes in daylight may affect serotonin, melatonin and the body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm, all of which are involved in regulating mood and sleep.

SAD is therefore more than simply feeling gloomy because the weather is unpleasant.

For a diagnosis of SAD, depressive episodes must follow a seasonal pattern. NIMH notes that symptoms generally occur during specific seasons for at least two consecutive years, although a health professional must consider a person’s complete history before making a diagnosis.

Can nonstop rain cause SAD?

This distinction is important, particularly here in the Cordillera.

The Philippines does not experience the dramatic shortening of winter daylight seen in countries farther from the equator. There is also not enough basis to say that the current period of prolonged rain in the Cordillera is causing Seasonal Affective Disorder.

However, some of the circumstances accompanying days of cloudy and rainy weather can still affect a person’s emotional well-being.

Long periods indoors can mean less exposure to natural light. Persistent rain can limit exercise, outdoor activities and opportunities to socialize. Work and school routines may also be disrupted.

The recent weather in the Cordillera has brought additional sources of stress. Continuous rains have resulted in landslides, road closures, power interruptions and other disruptions in different communities.

For people worrying about their homes, loved ones, livelihood, transportation or safety, the emotional burden may therefore come not only from gloomy weather but also from prolonged stress and uncertainty.

Someone feeling low during this period should not automatically conclude that they have SAD. At the same time, persistent changes in mood should not simply be dismissed as “just the weather.”

Recognizing signs of depression

The Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) has encouraged the public to recognize signs that could indicate a mental health concern.

Depression can involve persistent sadness and changes in mood, while other symptoms can include losing interest or pleasure in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue or loss of energy, difficulty concentrating and feelings of worthlessness.

NIMH similarly lists persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, low energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite and sleep, and social withdrawal among symptoms that can occur with depression and SAD.

Having one difficult or gloomy day does not necessarily mean that someone has depression.

What becomes important is how persistent the symptoms are and whether they are beginning to interfere with school, work, relationships or normal daily activities.

What can you do during prolonged rainy weather?

DOH-CAR recommends several simple steps for people who are feeling depressed or struggling emotionally.

These include talking to someone you trust about how you feel, staying connected with family and friends, trying to continue activities you normally enjoy, maintaining regular eating and sleeping habits, and seeking professional help when needed.

During prolonged rainy weather, maintaining a routine can be particularly important.

When it is safe to do so, getting some natural daylight and physical activity may also help maintain normal daily routines. When going outside is unsafe because of heavy rain or landslide risks, physical activity can instead be done indoors.

Keeping in contact with other people can also help prevent several days at home from turning into prolonged social isolation.

These measures, however, should not be considered substitutes for professional mental health care when someone is experiencing persistent or severe symptoms.

Mental health services are available in the Cordillera

Seeking help does not necessarily mean immediately going to a psychiatric hospital.

DOH-CAR has been working with health facilities and local government units throughout the Cordillera to strengthen community-based mental health services.

The Cordillera Regional Council on Mental Health, chaired by DOH-CAR, includes representatives from local government units around the region as well as institutions such as Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.

DOH-CAR has also been training health workers through the Mental Health Gap Action Program, or mhGAP, as part of efforts to improve the ability of healthcare workers to recognize and manage mental health conditions.

For someone who does not know where to begin, a local health center or healthcare provider can be a starting point for asking about available mental health services or referral to a mental health professional.

When should you seek professional help?

Consider talking to a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist or other qualified mental health professional if feelings of sadness, hopelessness, exhaustion or loss of interest persist, become difficult to manage or begin affecting work, school, relationships or everyday responsibilities.

DOH-CAR specifically encourages people experiencing symptoms of depression to seek professional help rather than struggle with them alone.

You also do not have to wait until symptoms become overwhelming before asking for help.

If someone is experiencing severe emotional distress, having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or feels that they may be in immediate danger, urgent assistance should be sought.

The National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline may be reached through:

1553

0917-899-USAP (8727)

(02) 7-989-USAP (8727)

These contact numbers are also listed by DOH-CAR in its mental health information for the public.

It may be the weather, but don’t ignore how you feel

After days of rain, it is understandable for routines, energy levels and moods to change.

For many people, those feelings may improve when the weather clears and normal routines return. For others, prolonged gloomy weather and the stress that accompanies it may make an existing mental health struggle more noticeable.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real medical condition, but not every period of sadness during rainy weather is SAD.

The more important message for those experiencing the prolonged rains in the Cordillera is simpler: pay attention to changes in your mental health just as you would changes in your physical health.

If the rain eventually stops but the heaviness does not, consider talking to someone you trust and reaching out to a healthcare or mental health professional.

Help is available, including here in the Cordillera.

This article is intended for general information and should not be used as a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.

Sources: Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR); Department of Health; National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).