springtime sadness

seasonal depression, who?

Cherry Blossoms, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Christina Bubba Cherry Blossoms, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, photo by Christina Bubba

Spring is here and it feels like everyone has a spring in their step, too. Ready to spring into action, immediately breaking winter’s hibernation the second it hits 60 degrees. 

From fitness goals, to promises for outdoor hangs with friends who “literally haven’t seen each other all winter,” everyone is busy blooming into a new version of themselves. The version that is seen and heard by the world.

It’s a loud shift. 

Bustling streets, proclamations of renewed sense of joy, everyone showing off their outdoorsy adventures on social media. 

Can’t relate? Don’t worry. Loudest doesn’t equate to most prevalent. 

The truth is that for many, seasonal depression peaks in the spring, manic behavior increases, and symptoms of bipolar disorder worsen. Research shows that suicide rates are at their higheset in April. And though these are not easily digestible facts, and knowing you’re not alone won’t always make you feel less alone, I’d like to think it weakens the blow.

Of course it’s difficult not to feel alone when you’re having an internal battle with mental illness and everyone and their mothers are out singing high praise in the tulip gardens. If only it were that easy. 

The good news is that there are some perks to the springtime that might even help you combat seasonal depression. Unlike the winter, there are more opportunities to get outside and reap the rewards of spending time in nature. 

Sunshine should be your best friend if you have seasonal depression. Along with the release of serotonin which aids in feelings of happiness, it regulates your internal clock which affects sleep-wake cycles and hormones.

Extra points if you’re able to bask in the morning sun to soak in the UV rays before they become harmful. Those rays are what help in vitamin D production in the body which is directly correlated to mood regulation. 

So this is your sign to add outdoor walks to your morning ritual. No phone, no SPF… Just you and the sunshine. Who knows, maybe after a while you’ll even begin to relate to the loud springtime fanatics blowing up your Instagram feed.