Spring has Sprung

A typical picture of spring is a lamb with daffodils like the one above. But that's not something I can stage but for me its not spring until I have seen my first lamb.
And that happened last month so we are well and truly into it.

I do find it a time of promise. The promise of warmer days shorter nights and the flourish of new growth all around.

For those who suffer from SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder there is a feeling of coming through.

Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. If you're like most people with seasonal affective disorder, your symptoms start in the autumn and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.  Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.

This can be a time of hopelessness for those who suffer from chronic depression for where as those who suffer from SAD will perk up in spring knowing that the summer will soon be here; those with chronic depression can not convert their mood the same and so feel even worse simply because they can't.

In fact spring is a time where suicide is high, almost 50% of the cases are in spring. The serotonin levels appear low in people with depression and depression is linked to suicide risk. Long periods of little light during winter months may result in a prolonged dip in serotonin levels, causing an increase in depression and suicidal behavior that extends into the warmer months. Lack of exercise, sunlight directly on the skin and fresh vegetables also contribute to this. A person with SAD will take the spring days as a chance to get back out there and enjoy the new season but a depressed person can't.

I believe it is because they feel worse as they see others coming out of their SAD so in turn a depressed person will feel worse because they can't. Not only is their body lacking the serotonin they don't seem to be able to take the steps to balance them out. Medication will help but there is a certain amount of self that needs to help themselves too, through counseling and recognising their triggers and what is happening to themselves and others. If they are not aware of this too they will feel worse. Its like the snow ball affect getting bigger and bigger.

If someone you know suffers from depression be sure to watch them at this time but also gently encourage them to venture outside with you and talk about the promise of summer times etc.

I for one at this time, know I need to keep myself on guard, not just to bring me out of any SAD moods but to watch Harry and be strong for us both.

I look for the signs of spring as if for a promise but also as a check to watch over us both.