Specialists recommend combating autumn depression through creativity

October 11, Vitebsk /Olga Bogacheva - BELTA/. Gloomy autumn weather is one of the main reasons for seasonal depression. Igor Ponomarev, Deputy Chief Physician of the Vitebsk Regional Clinical Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, spoke about how to cope with a bad mood in an interview with a BELTA correspondent. According to psychologists, there are three ways to overcome stress and avoid nervous disorders: through creativity, love, and spending time in nature. Additionally, it is recommended to eat chocolate, bananas, and oatmeal, which are rich in serotonin, the "happiness vitamin." To regulate emotional state, relaxation exercises and breathing exercises are recommended. Igor Ponomarev reminded that the alternation of sleep and wakefulness in the body occurs cyclically. When the sun shines, the body is active, full of energy, and good mood prevails. In autumn and winter, the days are short, and due to increased production of melatonin, the "sleep hormone," people often experience drowsiness and depression during this time. However, the body can be tricked. To do this, it is necessary to wear light-colored clothing, which will improve mood, and use bright lighting. It is also advisable to go to bed no later than 10 p.m., as most serotonin is produced during sleep between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. If necessary, you can always seek help by calling a helpline. Igor Ponomarev emphasized that many people are already actively using this option, which indicates a growing public trust in mental health service professionals. For example, in the Vitebsk region as a whole, more than 40,000 people seek help from mental health specialists annually. "It is important to note the increased accessibility of specialized care here," stressed Igor Ponomarev. In particular, psychiatrists hold consultations in every clinic of the regional center, specialist assistance can be obtained anonymously, and round-the-clock helplines are available specifically for those seeking help, including children and adolescents in crisis situations. Their numbers are actively publicized in the press and through other accessible channels. This organization of work has largely contributed to a decrease in suicides in the region, Igor Ponomarev noted. Over the past 9 months of this year, the number of suicides in the region decreased from 323 to 179 compared to the same period last year. Anyone can fall victim to depression, the specialist added, describing the average profile of people who are prone to it. Most often, these are women under 40 who are engaged in mental labor, consider their financial situation to be prosperous, and experience regular stress at work and at home. This can also include men with below-average income who have set excessively high goals and failed to achieve them. Another category includes lonely people over 60. "Pay enough attention to your family members, engage in sports, and find time and ways for shared activities that will leave pleasant impressions," advised Igor Ponomarev. -0-