As the beginning of spring, March 20, comes closer, many people experience
things that may trigger mental health episodes. Most people look forward
to the longer days, warmer weather, and new life that seem to abound in
the spring time. However change, even good change, can be difficult for
people who experience anxiety and other
mental health issues.
There are the changes in your brain chemistry—like melatonin—that
has to adapt to a different level of “normal” with this change
in longer days. This could mean that your sleep patterns change, making
you feel more melancholy and experience lower moods.
Allergies are another issue that many forget about when spring time rolls
around. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, like I do, this can be
a hard adjustment. Those who suffer from allergies sneeze more often,
have to take medicine that they hadn’t in the last nine months,
and experience congestion and sinus issues as well. Combine that with
depression or anxiety, it can become miserable.
Those who suffer from anxiety may worry and stress about these changes,
or even small events that normally do not bother them. Spring signals
the end of the school year and summer plans start, making anxiety a bigger
issue for many people.
Depression can make people feel lethargic, unmotivated, and overall make
moods very low. Those who suffer from this may appear less excited for
spring and the activities they normally enjoy.
If you notice that you are struggling with any of these issues, reach out
to someone you trust. School counselors, pastors, mentors, and mental
health professionals are all people that you can turn to if the struggle
continues. Sometimes letting another person know that you are anxious,
depressed, or even just upset about these changes can help you start feeling better.
To those who do not struggle with anxiety or mental health issues, please
look out for those you care for, and if you notice they are not themselves,
please ask them how they are doing.
Brianne Wooldridge is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Campbell County Medical Group
Kid Clinic. The Kid Clinic is a school-based pediatric clinic offering medical care
for Campbell County students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and
their siblings’ ages 2 weeks and up; and counseling services for
children 4 years to 21 years. It is located at 800 Butler Spaeth Rd.,
across from
St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. The Kid Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8 am-5 pm. For more information,
call 307-688-8700 or visit
www.cchwyo.org/kidclinic. The Kid Clinic is a collaborative effort between Campbell County Health and
Campbell County School District.