Suicide in the Spring- does that make sense?
3/27/2019
The irony of the above quote, it's author and what I am about to say is not lost on me.
Did you know that suicide occurs most often in the spring? This felt counterintuitive to me when I first learned it, but as I put more thought into the rationale, it began to make more sense. Follow along as I explain.
Another long, cold, winter is about to be put to bed. Dark. Snowy, Gray. There has been little sunlight and too much dark, indoor time. Many people start talking about spring in February, there is that whole groundhog thing and people are tired of boots and puffer coats. There is the illusion that spring and light and warmth can make things better. And, for many, it does.
Kids play outside more and can really release their pent up energy. Teens are working hard at their spring sports and often have a new lease on life. Adults, too, are gardening, walking, playing, even chatting with neighbors, or having happy hour on the cul de sac. The tease of summer, no school, beaches and vacation is around the corner and many people have a lighter step, but this is not the case for all.
It is not uncommon to feel low during the dark winter months. With the shorter days, people are grumpy and grow weary of feeling cooped up inside. They are eager for the light to shine more and the warmth to give some relief from the cold winter chill. Those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder begin to heal when the days are longer and they can soak up the Vitamin D that their body so craves.
Not everyone gets the bounce back in their step when April rolls around. and the daffodils begin to push through the freshly laid mulch. There are many who suffer from dark depression who hope to feel lifted in the spring. And they don't. They see others cheering up and sloughing off their winter blues. And they aren't.
This can be a dangerous time for some. People with deep depression often believe that their situations will improve as spring comes, but continue to suffer with the heavy, painful burden of depression. When it doesn't lift as they had hoped or predicted come spring, some turn towards suicide as what they see to be their only option. The rebirth that occurs during the spring can make a very depressed person feel even more hopeless.
If you have struggled these past few months or know someone who is struggling, it can get better. The right medication and good talk therapy can truly make a difference for someone who feels like they are at their bottom. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is an excellent resource for anyone that is feeling desperate, or who just wants to talk or ask some questions. Please don't hesitate to call them, a trusted friend or a therapist if the heavy feelings are weighing you down..
The happy festive quote above was written by Robin Williams who died by suicide in 2014. The message is strong and peppy, and yet, what we now know about his life, depression and, ultimate death makes me pause when reading it. I encourage you to embrace all sorts of joy and party it up this spring with the beautiful nature in our world, but if the depression does not lift, or gets worse, take care of yourself and seek out help