Weather: Can It Affect Your Mood?

Rainy day doldrums, sunny dispositions, winter blues — plenty of phrases suggest a link between weather and a person's mood. But how real is the connection? Can unpleasant conditions put you in a bad mood, a beautiful day in a good one? Why are some people more sensitive to the elements? And can past experiences with severe weather cause a kind of PTSD? We've got a jam-packed episode this week, covering everything from a psychologist's viewpoint on weather and mood to a high-profile weather expert's tips for preparing for hurricanes, flash-flooding and more.Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)Experts:Dr. William Orme, PsychologistEric Berger, Founder of Space City WeatherNotable topics covered:What research says about weather’s effect on a person’s disposition The complexities of mood and why it’s rarely as simple as one thing Berger’s take on the worst weather month in Houston  Seasonal affective disorder: When mood is definitely affected by the weather Can seasonal affective disorder happen in the summer? Dr. Orme’s tips for handling months of humidity and heat or cold and darkness The impact severe weather can have on mental health Tips for handling the stress and anxiety of severe weather Hurricane, flash-flooding, tornado, freeze: How to prepare in advance for a severe weather event Links:Space City Weather: https://spacecityweather.com/If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.