Monsoon Brings Mental Health Challenges, Says Expert. Know How to Combat It

It was a fine day for many, as it was for Anup Semwal, a 23-year-old communication associate. Like many of us, on Wednesday, he too went out on that sunny day on a date and had a beautiful time. However, things changed completely when it started to rain.

Ignoring it, Semwal tried to book his bike. “It is the monsoon season, so a little rain does no harm,” he says. But soon things went haywire. “Before the bike could come, it started raining heavily and thus started three hours of anxiety,” he says.

Like many on Wednesday evening, Semwal too was stuck in traffic amid the waterlogged Delhi roads for three hours. To make things worse, he was dropped midway as the biker denied driving him through the Khanpur region.

“I waited outside a pan shop for someone to accept my ride, but no luck. An hour and a half went away—I was already drenched from the previous ride. My phone was losing battery, I started to panic,” he says. Luckily, an auto driver, who was homebound agreed to offer him a ride, but with a precondition that he will have to walk more than a kilometre through a stretch of road that “turns into a river everytime it rains.”

“I have a habit of overthinking, getting stuck in loop of thoughts. That stretch was indeed submerged, and all I could think about was getting electrocuted. Every step I took in that pool, I was praying to not get a shock. It was overwhelming,” he says.

Not just Semwal, but many others too faced anxiety when they had to reach home through the flooded roads. Fearing getting submerged, electrocuted or with the thought of being stuck in the traffic for an entire night. Many experience anxiety during the monsoons, fearing that they will be stuck in situations without a solution.

Mental health expert Dr Dharmesh Shah, who has been practising for the last 24 years, says that monsoon brings fear, anxiety and changes in how one feels. Being stuck in a situation like Semwal’s or many others who reach home after four hours for a ride that usually takes them one hour can be anxiety-inducing. However, there are ways one can try to combat it.

“If you find yourself stuck in traffic due to waterlogged roads, it's important to first accept the situation and focus on safety. Make sure your vehicle is secure and won't take on water. To manage anxiety, practice deep breathing and stay aware of your body's responses. Listening to calming music or watching something on your phone can be great distractions. It's also helpful to think positively and find small ways to enjoy the situation, like appreciating the break from your usual routine,” Shah says.

Furthermore, one can also use what is best available to them to calm themselves down. This can be their phone, music apps or a radio. “By listening to calming music, you can stay focused and calm, helping your body to relax and reduce the impact of stressful situations,” he says.

“When stuck in a stressful situation, healthy distractions can be very helpful. Listening to your favourite music, chatting with friends or family, playing games on your phone, or even taking selfies to document the moment can all serve as good distractions. These activities can help you pass the time and keep your mind off the stress until things improve,” remarks Dr Shah.

It is true that while many enjoy monsoon, it can also have a negative impact on your mental health. Apart from the anxiety-inducing experiences while manoeuvering through water-logged roads, monsoons can also lead to depression.

“Seasonal depression tends to worsen during the monsoon due to several factors, including reduced sunlight, higher humidity, and lower temperatures. The lack of sunlight can disrupt your body's internal clock and reduce serotonin levels, which can lead to feelings of depression. Additionally, the rainy weather often forces people to stay indoors, which can increase feelings of isolation and loneliness. The natural changes during the monsoon season can also lead to physical discomfort, such as body pains and mood swings, making symptoms of seasonal depression more pronounced,” says Dr Shah.

But there are ways one can manage the depression that comes with monsoon. Dr Shah recommends that one must try to get as much sunlight as possible, even if it means sitting near a window. Engaging in physical activities and hobbies can boost your mood, as can maintaining a healthy diet. “Practicing grounding activities like good sleep hygiene and breathing exercises (pranayama) can also help. Additionally, social interactions, mindfulness meditation, and community support play a crucial role in coping with seasonal depression,” he says.