Surprising news about SPRING!
By Holly Siebert

For the most part we have been lucky with a mild winter. Many still look forward to spring  to alleviate restlessness by spending more time outdoors, witness rebirth of plant life, and the return of animals and chirping birds.  People tend to be in a better mood, re-energized at this time of year; however, to many, spring is not so “rosy,” and can even be deadly.
               
You may be shocked to read that  there is a perplexing relationship between warm weather and an increase in suicide.  As spring time arrives, the chances for severely depressed and discouraged individuals to plan, attempt and commit suicide rises significantly.  According to the American Association of Suicidology, this “occur(s) most frequently in the six months between March and August.,” especially May and June.  It seems more reasonable to hear the statistics of suicide rates going up during the “holiday blues” particularly Christmas, New Year’s, and the pressures of  happy couples in love on Valentine’s Day.
               
There are waves of occurrences throughout the year, yet surprisingly, there are less occurrences in the winter. In fact, the AAS also reports that December has, “the lowest total for suicides during the entire year.”   This may be due to the phenomena of “making it through the holidays,” and  “misery loves company.” They tend to find themselves surrounded by many others in the same mood, due to the increase of individuals experiencing depressive symptoms at this time, and support of this topic in the media.  Once spring arrives, most people shake these feelings off with “spring fever,” while the truly clinically depressed remain in their sadness, feeling just as depressed as before.  Spring can seem very lonely with the awareness of the difference between you and others, and that you “should” be feeling just as good.  It can also feel incredibly pressuring with the idea that spring is a time for “new beginnings and new life,” and it becomes  too much for them to bear.
               
Friends and family members may use a watchful eye in the winter months on their loved ones in this mental state.  They sense that they are getting better and unfortunately,  is when they commit suicide. Those that begin to come out of their depression, or a “partial remission,” are at even higher risk, as they  have increased energy to be “successful,” in their attempt.  Chris Thompson, the director of healthcare at “The Priory Group” in Britain, says, “paradoxically, sunlight-driven changes in levels of the feel good chemical ,Serotonin, may make people more aggressive, and if they are depressed they could direct that aggression at themselves.”  Researchers also found that sunlight inhibits production of Melatonin, that effects behavior, and Canadian scientists supply supporting research that link seasonal changes in bright sunlight with more violent suicides.
               
So what are you to do if you are concerned someone may be suicidal?  Here are some signs to look for, and how to handle the situation if you are suspicious of someone being at risk:

1.  Recognize depression!  This is expressed as a loss in pleasure, withdrawal from activities and other people, changes in sleep patterns and appetite,  fatigue, extreme difficulty in concentrating and/or making decisions, and feelings of worthlessness and/or guilt.  Symptoms that are accompanied by hopelessness/desperation, extreme anxiety and/or agitation, and increased alcohol and/or drug use, put an individual at even greater risk.
2.  Red flags should go up if they are talking about death or suicide.  This can include comments such as,  “you’d be better off without me,” and speak as if they are saying goodbye.
3. Various behaviors, such as, giving away their personal belongings, paying off debts, changing or making a will, and anything else that seems as though they might be “putting their affairs in order.” They may also have a detailed plan as to how they will take their life.
4. Approximately one-half of suicides had previous attempts.  Women tend to choose less severe methods, such as medication overdoses, than solid approaches by men, such as firearms.  The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that, “83% of gun related deaths are suicides, often by someone other than the gun owner (within the same home).”
5. Don’t  be afraid to talk about it with your loved one!!  Often we fear that this may encourage it, rather, this works as a prevention by releasing the “secret,” and promoting their thought and realization that there are reasons for living.  Ask them how long they have felt this way, do they have a plan, and encourage them to talk about it as much as they need.  Help them make a safety plan to utilize when they feel they may be a danger to their self.

Ultimately, if you are fearful for their safety, or are the one suffering and contemplating, call 911 or go to your local emergency room without delay!

Holly Seibert, B.A. is a member of the ACA and MaMHCA and offers Stress Relief Services and a variety of workshops and groups.  hollyseibert@yahoo.com