The last thing I wanted to do is make the first day of April into a downer, but knowing the importance of the information contained below in this blog could save someone's life.
Having spent most of my working life in human services, I have always dreaded spring. In particular, the month of April is hands down the most unpredictable. They don't call April the cruelest month for nothing. April is well known in psychiatry as the peak of the depression and suicide season. This runs contrary to what one think would be logical as the most vulnerable time. Most mistakenly think the holidays spur the highest suicides. Over the years I have observed the emotional roller coaster ride which affects all of us because of the lengthening of light, but especially for those vulnerable because of underlying psychological issues.
After months of winter depression, one would assume that warmer temps, seeing flowers burst forth, and the lengthening of light would diminish the blues. Indeed, it does lift the hearts of many to say good-bye to winter. However, the sad fact is that for those who experience depression, it is usually at it's highest peak in spring. This is not always the fact for all depressives, but the tendency for depression to worsen in spring is well documented by numerous studies. The lengthening of the spring light and other factors can give some depressed people, who have been psychologically depleted for months, the energy to carry out a plan as they begin to feel better. That is why those at risk for suicide are most apt to act out during the spring months. Suicidal attempts are frequently made when going into or emerging out of depression. It is ironic that the season of sprouting life also emboldens those on the precipice to jump.
But depressed people aren't the only ones affected by spring's rocky transition. Those diagnosed with bi-polar disorders also feel it's weight. Spring's longer days can make those with mania become more manic and those depressed, more paralyzed. Manic behavior may not look suicidal, but because those with bi-polar disorders lack judgment and impulsive control, they are vulnerable to situations in which their flawed decision-making encourages risky and sometimes dangerous behavior. Excesses abound when mania is present, making delusional thinking and revved up psycho-motor behavior a formula for disaster. If the depressive element is present, the person can dive deeper into the depths of despair. Psycho-motor slowness, immobility when it comes to taking action, flat affect, overwhelming unrelenting tortuous thinking, and sometimes catatonic behavior, plague the depressive swing from mania.
But one does not have to be diagnosed with these disorders to also be affected by spring's influence on cataclysmic behavior. Just look at events in history: the Waco inferno, the Randy Weaver/ATM debacle, the Boston Marathon killings, the Oklahoma City bombing, the West Virginia Tech shootings, the Columbine massacre, it goes on and on-they all happened in April. Specifically, I have observed the week of April 20th, which coincides with Hitler's birthday, to be the height of acting out behavior.
This illustrates another point about suicidality: if one is suicidal, it can also spur one to be homicidal. When I worked in a commitment unit in psych, all suicidal patients were brought in restraints and loaded on anti-psychotic medications. The supposition is that if they don't care about their own life, they will not care if they have to take anyone with them. How many stories have we heard where a depressed father or mother killed their whole family (and the family pets) before killing themselves.
Make no mistake, whatever it is that makes April touchy affects all of us as well. Springing forward can produce restlessness, irritability, and an impatient desire for the new. A new you, a new them, a new job, a new life... Winter's discontent dissipates slowly. Yet spring if also a time of renewal. There would be no joy without grief. Life resurrects after months of hibernation. April is also a month for transformation. We shed the cloak of winter to anticipate the season of growth.
More than ever, April is a month for treating ourselves and others more lovingly. The dark underside of April belies its hope of renewal, hope, and feeling connected again. Questions to ask are: Can I be more understanding, more thoughtful, and more compassionate with both myself and those struggling with April's rough ride? How much will a kind gesture, good word, and supportive deed go to nurture the sting of this tender transition? What can I do to be good to myself and others during the times when wrestling with feelings of disconnection, fear, exasperation, anger, etc? Who is struggling around me that could use my support? Even if they are little ones, what are some positive steps I can take now?
This is an important month to put out as much positive energy as one can to everyone, including ourselves. Happy Spring.
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