Is There a Link Between Bad Weather and Mental Health?

Experts are calling for more research to be done on the effects of serious pollution on the mental health of an individual, according to a report by China Daily.

The improved understanding of the relationship between mental health and pollution can help people deal with potential mental health issues, said Wang Jian, a veteran psychiatrist from Beijing Huilongguan Hospital.

Based on his accounts, some patients diagnosed with neurosis and depression have seen their condition worsen after being exposed to the smoggy weather that has enveloped the city in the past few days.

As a response, patients must be kept indoors in well-illuminated areas.

However, Dr. Wang pointed out that everybody can be affected by "ecological pressures" such as smog.

Meanwhile, Tian Chuenghua from the Institute of Psychiatric Research at Peking University's No. 6 Hospital said that there has been no increase in the number of patients during the smoggy period.

Furthermore, Tian said that bad weather, which usually persists for two to three days, "seldom leads to mental problems."

Despite this, there's indeed a lack of research on the possible effects of bad weather and heavy pollution on mental health.

According to a research conducted at the Ohio State University in the United States back in 2012, long-term exposure to air pollution can have significant effects on one's brain. This can lead to a change in learning habits, memory and happiness.

The research, which was conducted on rats, was the first of its kind, according to China Daily.

Tian did admit that patients diagnosed with depression are highly susceptible to environmental factors. People in the Northern Hemisphere, in particular, often experience Seasonal Affective Disorder or "winter blues." Symptoms include increased appetite for sweets, weight gain, lack of energy and depression.

To treat the disorder, patients are exposed to daylight or specific wavelengths of light from lamps, special lights or LEDs.