Emotions spring into action as the seasons change

By Brianna Lehr
Business Manager

Spring fever. Two words, meaning: a feeling of restlessness and excitement felt at the beginning of spring. 

As the warm weather approaches, people start becoming more energized, upbeat, and have been known to have increased libido, this is, Spring fever. Spring fever, is not a scientific diagnosis, and researchers are only beginning to understand why and how the changing of seasons alter our behaviors.

It has always been thought hormone levels increase in the springtime. However, studies have shown that testosterone levels are higher in the fall, implying that humans instinctively react to seasonal changes.

In previous studies, it was thought that these reactions were psychological, but more recent evidence shows that it is actually physiological and that, “Changing seasons prompt an adjustment in the body’s internal chemistry,” according to the director of seasonal studies at the National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Rosenthal.

Theories have also been developed about spring fever. It is believed that increased and longer stretches of sunlight are measured by the brain through the eyes. Next, the information is processed by the pineal gland, and located at the base of the cerebrum. It proceeds to cause a response in the gland which reduces the secretion of the hormone responsible for energy levels called melatonin. 
Unfortunately, not every person becomes positive during this time of year.

Some people may experience “summer depression” which occurs in late spring and/or early summer which is a rare form of of seasonal depression, which is also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. In addition, scientists are unsure of the exact causes of SAD, however some of them believe that certain hormones made deep in the brain, trigger attitude-related changes at certain times of the year.
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“Even though new discoveries are being made about this wonderful time of year, scientists have a long way to go in order to prove whether spring fever indeed has a psychological or physiological cause. Meanwhile, get out and grab some vitamin D and soak up the sun.” Phactual.com said. ​