Dear Editor,

The sun on my face feels warm, almost a feeling I have forgotten over the long winter. Taking a deep breath through my nose in the cool crisp air of spring invigorates my brain. Watching the vibrant colors poke their weary heads through the dirty snow and grass brings a smile to my face. This is what I love about living in the country. Anyone that experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder and missing the sunshine all winter knows this feeling. The feeling of finally seeing the sun and knowing it will be out for longer days and with it will bring summer festivals, outdoor music, picnics, hiking and celebrations.

If you have read my first paragraph and think, “Yah right. Not for me.” Then you may have Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder. A lot of times depression can stem from where we feel we are, and where we think others expect us to be in life. Experts aren’t sure, but the longer days, and increasing heat and humidity may also play a role in summer time depression. Specific symptoms of summer depression often include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, weight loss, and anxiety. Your “normal” routine usually goes out the window and if you have children you find yourself in the constant conversation of, “I’m Bored, I’m Hungry, Why can’t we…” Others have the worry of wearing shorts, skirts, or swim suits in public and may avoid social situations due to a bad body image. Let’s not forget about one of the top depression factors no matter what the season: finances. For individuals that work and have children, the burden of day care, summer camps, keeping the children safely entertained and fed for three meals and countless snacks a day are expensive. The financial pressures of single life are festival tickets, stylish wardrobes and possible a motorcycle to ride in the summer. Here are a few tips to help with summer depression found in, “Tips for Summer Depression” on WebMD by R. Morgan Griffin and “Reverse Sad: Why Springtime Can Be Bad For Depression Sufferers” by Stephanie Hegarty.

First things first, if you know this is you, reach out and get help. Use the HOPELINE’s (741741) that will offer emotional support and resources before situations rise to crisis level. This is what makes it an alternative option versus the Iowa County Hotline, which is for a crisis situation. The HOPELINE is a preventative resource so your life doesn’t need to get to such an extreme you are in crisis. Maybe summer brings bad memories of an anniversary of a death or break up and you always associate summer with sadness? Help is always a question away, just ask your medical professional, therapist or counselor to help you find the resources or medication you need.

Secondly, plan ahead. With these teasers of beautiful spring like weather that we experienced in February, starts thinking ahead to what parts of your life are hard in summer and start coming up with a plan to avoid or lessen the effects. This will also give you a head start on saving money for the extra food, outings and activities that may come up in the summer. Plan your vacations carefully and think about if it is something you really want to do or are you feeling pressure from an outside person to go on the vacation. Is the vacation financially doable or will it stretch your finances? Look for coupons and off season deals.

Thirdly, try to get enough sleep. With it staying light longer and having more BBQs, vacations, and ball games you will be getting to bed later. Try to get as much sleep as possible.

Next, don’t overdo dieting and fitness that may set you up for disappointment, but instead set a logical workout plan and eat plenty of the fresh fruits and vegetables that are so easy to find in the summer. Working out and the extra hours of sunlight can increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the body - the chemicals responsible for feeling good! Just remember, moderation.

Lastly, protect yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed and you feel pressure to help a family member move or host a gathering, just say no. It won’t hurt anyone to find other resources for help. Don’t risk getting overwhelmed just to live up to someone else’s expectations.

Susan Springer Judd, Ridgeway

Suicide Prevention Coalition of Iowa County