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A
h. Spring fever, when our
thoughts go to romance
and our hearts open to
the possibilities. Poets, writers,
and even psychotherapists cite
the “powers” of spring fever.
But, is spring fever a reality or
just an iconic fantasy of dreamers
everywhere?
Let’s start with some of the
common characteristics of spring
fever. They might include:
•
An increase in heart rate
•
A marked decrease in
appetite
•
A loss of concentration
and episodes of
wandering thoughts
•
Restlessness
•
Enhanced mood
•
Thoughts of hope and
positivism
It all sounds wonderful
doesn’t it? Researcher Norman
Rosenthal, with the Institute of
Mental Health, states that spring
fever is a body’s reaction to a
changing environment due to an
increase in the levels of sunlight.
Other researchers suggest that
spring fever is nothing more than
changes in climate that triggers
changes in our melatonin and
serotonin level, which creates
a “lighter” sense of self. This
brighter view of life opens us up
to seeing the possibilities and
opportunities that surround us.
With flowers blooming, warm
breezes, and chirping birds, how
could we not be happy?
Americans tend to feel
optimistic and the possibility for
change and a promising hope for
us to succeed is predominant.
This change in psyche is very
different from the dark days
of winter that tend to create
depressive symptoms and
feelings of worthlessness and
disharmony.
Just like the end of long
hibernation period, spring fever
awakens us. Our biological clock
seems to turn on and we tend
to have an increase in energy
and a feeling of well-being.
Anthropologists believe spring
fever is an evolutionary passage
for humans to gather, hunt and
procreate. Perhaps that’s why
so many of us feel the need to
clean our dwellings, hunt for
new fashion collectibles and have
thoughts of romance.
But, amazingly, April has
the highest rate for suicides.
That doesn’t fit into our pretty
little scenario. Perhaps there
are thoughts of new beginning
for others around us, but
some people can not visualize
a more positive worldview
for themselves. Caught in
hopelessness, spring brings the
realization that things may never
change and life might be dull,
unfulfilling and perpetuating
depressing. For those souls, this
might be the time to reach out to
for assistance to create a change.
Have You Caught the Fever?
Real or fanciful, spring fever can affect us all
By Dr. Joy Miller
50
thePeorian.com