"May illness," or Gogatsu-byo in Japan, and its impact on romantic relationships
May, a month following a week of holidays and the confusion that comes with it, is just as unpredictable. Contrary to assumptions, it's not the calmer, gentler time you might expect. Instead, a sinister entity known as gogatsu-byo lurks, ready to strike at any moment.
Wanna get a grasp on gogatsu-byo? Here's the lowdown.
五月病 (Gogatsu-byo; "May Sickness") is more than just a Japanese term. It's a psychological condition that mirrors Seasonal Affective Disorder, and it snags many Japanese folks – and us foreigners living in Japan. After the flurry of activity in April and the relaxing Golden Week vacation, this beasties rears its ugly head.
When gogatsu-byo strikes, symptoms like:
- sleepless nights
- altered or excess hunger
- restlessness
- jumpiness or anxiety
- mood swings
- gloominess
- a host of physical symptoms that leave doctors scratching their heads
can make life a living nightmare. Even though all this might sound strange to outsiders, stick around Japan for a couple of years, and you'll start noticing a pattern – people act differently in April and June compared to May.
Relationship-wise, gogatsu-byo can cause havoc. Peeping into my old diaries and chatting with locals, I've noticed two recurring themes on the rubbish heap of May and early June:
1. Affectionate Fog Lifts
Change is scary, especially when it requires a new schedule. Remember those first drowsy days after daylight savings? Imagine combining that with potential home, work, or lifestyle changes that have taken place in a fraction of a month, and you've got a recipe for disaster.
Friends might be less keen on meeting up for drinks after work; colleagues might seem less eager to collaborate or responsive, leading to a whole heap of communication issues. If Murphy's Law is to be believed, then brace yourself for some bad days – normally friendly coworkers could suddenly seem detached, deadlines could emerge without warning, and minor mishaps could get blown out of proportion.
2. Relationship Rearrangement
With this weirdness in the air, romantic relationships might be affected too. After navigating the delicate balance between cherry blossoms and romance last month, you might find the relationship suddenly tearing a new one. Suddenly, there'd be last-minute cancellations, fewer texts, or a laissez-faire attitude that might confuse you as much as it disappoints you. Some people even see this month as an opportunity to end relationships that aren't going anywhere.
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The Brainy Stuff:
Gogatsu-byo is a cultural phenomenon unique to Japan, characterized by a decrease in motivation and mood after the significant events in April, such as the commencement of the fiscal year and the conclusion of Golden Week. The symptoms are similar to those of Seasonal Affective Disorder and include insomnia, mood swings, anxiety, changes in appetite, restlessness, and depression[1][2].
The Nitty-Gritty:
- Causes: The transition back to work or school routines shortly after the Golden Week break is believed to trigger Gogatsu-byo[3][4].
- Symptoms: People experiencing gogatsu-byo report suffering from:
- Insomnia
- Altered appetite
- Restlessness
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Mood swings
- Depression
Relationship Ramifications:
Gogatsu-byo can also wreak havoc in personal relationships, causing individuals to become more sensitive or withdrawn[1][2]. This can lead to misunderstandings, tension, and even the breakdown of relationships in both personal and professional settings.
- May, often seen as a calmer and gentler month, instead conceals a psychological condition called Gogatsu-byo (May Sickness) that mirrors Seasonal Affective Disorder.
- This condition, predominantly observed in Japan, affects numerous Japanese residents and foreigners residing in Japan.
- The flurry of activity in April and the relaxing Golden Week vacation sets the stage for Gogatsu-byo to manifest.
- When Gogatsu-byo occurs, symptoms such as insomnia, altered appetite, restlessness, nervousness or anxiety, mood swings, gloominess, and various physical symptoms can cause significant distress.
- In terms of relationships, Gogatsu-byo can lead to emotional upheaval. A decrease in affection and intentional relationship rearrangements are common during this period.
- The change in schedule and potential lifestyle changes after the Golden Week break contribute to an increase in misunderstandings among friends and colleagues.
- In the field of health and wellness, mental health is significantly impacted by Gogatsu-byo, leading to symptoms similar to insomnia and depression.
- As the science and understanding of Gogatsu-byo continue to evolve, it is likely that more information will be uncovered regarding its causes and potential mitigation strategies, shedding light on this fascinating cultural phenomenon.
