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Rainy Days & Depression

Feeling down on a dreary day is a common experience. However, if your feelings of sadness are accompanied by feelings of guilt or hopelessness, you may have a more serious condition.

  1. Depression

    • The U.S. Library of Health and the National Institutes of Health define depression as a combination of feelings of hopelessness, guilt, thoughts of suicide and a persistent feeling of sadness and isolation that lasts for longer than two weeks. Rainy days do not necessarily increase the symptoms of depression nor is depression triggered by rainy days. Additionally, a recent European study concluded that "good" weather on positive mood was minimal.

    Seasonal Affective Disorder

    • The MayoClinic.com defines seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as a subset of depression that happens around the same season each year. Often, SAD begins in autumn and ends around mid-spring. Those suffering from SAD may feel more gloomy on rainy days because of their condition.

    Mood

    • Mood can loosely be defined as our emotional state and energy level. Our mood can be influenced by a number of things such as diet, circumstances, activity level and other variables.

    Weather Changes

    • The article "Does Weather Really Affect Our Moods?" by Rich Maloof argues that, "most people are no more emotionally powerless against the weather than they are unable to put on a hat." Therefore, we can keep ourselves in high spirits no matter how low the weather may be.

    Boosting Your Spirits

    • Maloof suggests keeping yourself occupied and doing things you enjoy even when the weather is gloomy. Reading a good book, daydreaming about an upcoming vacation and listening to energetic music are all ways to boost your spirits during a rainy day.

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