Mental Health in The Spring by Kristin Ritchey, MEd

Spring is often associated with fresh starts, flowers blooming, and an increased zest for life. So

it can feel really isolating if you find yourself feeling more depressed and anxious than in the

dark days of winter. Maybe you’ve even thought there was something wrong with you or

experienced self-judgment and blame.

In reality, spring bears the dubious distinction of being the season with the highest suicide rate.

While this might surprise some, there are several factors that can make spring a challenging

time:

● Change: Change can be good, but it is usually uncomfortable. The spring season

contains several significant shifts in weather, clocks, and daylight. Even if they’re

positive changes, they require significant shifts in our circadian rhythm, and hormone

production (including melatonin). Given these shifts, it’s not surprising that some

individuals may feel not quite like themselves, or a little unmoored. (Or very tired as you

try to get a toddler to bed when their internal clock is telling them it’s PLAY TIME).

● Spring Mania: Spring and summer increase in the incidence of manic episodes in

individuals with bipolar 1. Researchers attribute this to the change in circadian rhythm

and patterns in the body’s production of melatonin, as described above. For this reason,

diagnoses of Bipolar 1 are also more likely to occur during the spring and summer

season. Coping with a new diagnosis or recovering from a period of mania is stressful!

● Social Obligations: Get ready for wedding invitations, graduation parties, picnics and

the like! Social engagement generally boosts mental health, however, it can be

overwhelming for some, especially if family members or events bring up certain

memories or negative experiences. Consider someone unable to get pregnant attending

baby showers or someone coping with a breakup attending weddings, bridal showers,

and the like.

● Body Image Concerns: As the weather gets warmer, clothes tend to get shorter and

sometimes tighter. This can heighten feelings of body dysmorphia and increase an

individual's fixation with perceived negative physical traits. It can also lead to unhelpful

comparisons with other individuals’ bodies that heightens dissatisfaction with one’s

appearance.

● School: Academic obligations increase as the calendar moves closer and closer to

summer vacation, spiking stress levels and decreasing health promoting behaviors like

socializing, prioritizing sleep, and joyful movement in favor of studying. Spring break can

make childcare a challenge for working parents or lead to financial stress as friends

decide to plan a big trip.

If you’re struggling this spring, know that you’re normal and you’re not alone. Mental health and

wellbeing is much more nuanced than presented in media and pop culture. If you feel as

Though you’re struggling more than usual, reach out to a therapist for additional support.

Remember too that, as with any other season, spring will pass. Take it day by day and be kind

to yourself!