18 May Happy Spring! (maybe?)

By Lars Hunter, Bereavement Coordinator

Ahh, that time of year we all wait for during the cold dark days of winter. The bleak landscape turns into a burst of flowering new energy, the sweet scent of flowers, the buzz of insects, and the songs of birds fill the air. We ourselves begin to emerge from our caves of hibernation and bring out the kayaks, bicycles, motorcycles and gardening tools. We awake each day to a greener, lusher landscape than the one we saw the evening before. The warmer, sunnier days lift our souls and awake our minds to our surroundings.

            What could be more idyllic? Friends and strangers great us with sentiments of, “happy spring, isn’t this weather wonderful?!” Here in northern New England, we hold onto these months of summer and spring with a tight grip, because we know they don’t last very long. It will be October before we know it and the air will turn crisp and the leaves will brightly blaze as they say goodbye to their babies that they are birthing at this time.

            With all this beauty, new life and sunshine, what could possibly be difficult about this season? The reality is that this is a very difficult time for many people, especially those who struggle with mental health diseases. May is Mental Health Awareness month and has been observed since 1949 and started by the Mental Health America organization.

            So why May of all months to focus on such a difficult subject? It is estimated that almost 60 million people in the country suffer from some type of mental health disease. Depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder and many other conditions vary in degree and severity, from mild to moderate, to severe. Rates of anxiety and depression sharply rose during the pandemic and continue to do so “post pandemic.” Service providers such as therapists, psychiatrists and other mental health supports are overwhelmed and unable to meet the need.

            One of the most startling facts is that spring is when suicides are the highest, not in the winter months or during the holiday season. This may be due to the world around us awakening and activity resuming, but the mental health diseases don’t go away, as might be assumed. People are still in great pain but the culture is telling everyone to “be happy!”

            There’s also another condition called “Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder,” the same type of disorder the affects so many in the winter months. While winter SAD is linked to a lack of sunlight, it is thought that summer SAD is due to the reverse—possibly too much sunlight, which also leads to modulations in melatonin production. Another theory is that people might stay up later in the summer, throwing their sensitive circadian rhythms for a loop.

            No season is immune to death, and those who are grieving may also be encouraged to “cheer up” and enjoy the beautiful days! Of course, grief doesn’t work this way. The death of a loved one brings on intense grief no matter what the season is, and we need to respect and support those who are deeply grieving at this time. The flowers and new leaves and sunshine aren’t going to help with the grieving process and can possibly add to the sadness and guilt for not feeling better sooner.

            Yes, enjoy this time of year while it’s here, and please remember that it’s also a very difficult time for many, due to grief and mental health disease. May all who suffer find comfort in their own way with the support of others.

Warmly,  Lars