Let there be light! - Adele suffers from seasonal depression - what it is and why Los Angeles is her salvation
Out of the cool wetness of London and into sunny Los Angeles - British pop star Adele said goodbye to the city on the Thames years ago, and with it the eternal gray-on-gray. As she told the Hollywood Reporter in an interview, the move overseas was also a decision for her mental health. She suffers from "severe seasonal depression", which is why the weather in Los Angeles is good for her. Why is that?
What exactly is seasonal depression?
If symptoms of a depressive episode recur exclusively at a certain time of year, this is called seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), explains Deutsche Depressionshilfe. In most cases, this is known as winter depression, which usually sets in when the days get shorter and darker in the fall and more melatonin is produced. Less well known is summer depression, in which lower melatonin levels upset the mood. In addition to hormones, stress and general health can also have an influence on weather sensitivity.
What role do melatonin levels play?
Melatonin is the hormone that controls our sleep-wake rhythm. If we have too little melatonin in our body, this can make it difficult for us to fall asleep. If too much of the hormone is produced, it can cause constant tiredness and make us want to sleep. The hormone is mainly produced at night, in the dark. The more daylight there is, the more inhibited melatonin production tends to be. So if it is not really light outside, the melatonin level remains elevated, the sleep rhythm and therefore also the internal clock are disrupted. Tiredness, depressed mood and listlessness can be the result. If the symptoms persist over a longer period of time, they can develop into depression.
How many people are affected?
Adele is not alone in her suffering. It is estimated that around 10 to 20 percent of the population are affected by a mild form of seasonal depression, according to the information portal of neurologists and psychiatrists on the internet. Those affected by this mild variant find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, are constantly tired and often have an increased appetite. The cravings then focus primarily on sweets. However, a further five percent or so suffer from a severe depressive episode. Symptoms include daytime tiredness, exhaustion and lack of energy as well as anxiety. In such cases, a specialist should be consulted to determine whether it is a seasonal or other form of depression. Studies indicate that younger people are more likely to suffer from seasonal depression, and women are more frequently affected than men.
Why does Adele feel better in Los Angeles?
Numerous studies indicate that light therapy works for seasonal depression. For example, daily walks can provide relief, even when the weather is gloomy. UV light also penetrates through overcast skies. It is recommended to spend at least one hour outdoors every day. Alternatively, appropriate therapy lamps with 2500 to 10,000 lux can be used. Adele gets enough light in Los Angeles. There, the sun shines on average 283 days a year. A fact that Adele sometimes struggles with: "The weather here is good for me. But sometimes it's strange because I'm very British."
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After bidding farewell to the perpetual gloom of London, Adele found solace in the sunny climes of Los Angeles, citing its beneficial impact on her mental health due to her struggle with severe seasonal depression. As a notable figure in the USA, Adele's journey highlights the effectiveness of light therapy in managing seasonal depression, particularly during her prolonged stays under the Los Angeles sun, which illuminates her days an average of 283 times a year.
Source: www.stern.de
