May is Mental Health Awareness Month. “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle
A 1500s poet Thomas Tusser once wrote, “Sweet April Showers Do Bring May Flowers.” Centuries later this same quote continues to be used metaphorically to describe hard times and their bright outcomes.”
Certain mental health diagnoses have “episodes or flare ups” that align with certain seasons or experiences within someone’s lifespan. For example, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is Major Depressive Disorder but with a seasonal pattern. The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder can also be described as the “winter blues;’’ however, the symptoms can be very overwhelming and distressing for the individual. Like those April showers, those periods reflect an increase in symptoms that can feel dark, cold, and uncertain. This can create hopelessness and those “May flowers” can feel out of reach.
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle
Seasonal Affective Disorder has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter (psychiatry.org). With the seasons changing, people can experience shifts in their circadian rhythm (internal biological clock) and this can create shifts within daily habits and routines. This can increase stress and uncertainty that can last for days, weeks or months. While an individual is in this period of distress, it can be difficult to remain positive and focus on “brighter days.”
An effective support system, treatment team (Therapist, MD/Psychiatrist, NP), and healthy coping skills can assist someone in being able to recognize and enjoy those “May flowers.” Certain therapeutic modalities such as light therapy, psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral and solution-focused, and mindfulness can assist in recognizing and decreasing mental health symptoms in order for those May flowers to bloom.
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, it is imperative that communities assist in creating and maintaining environments that can grow bright outcomes and make these outcomes feel more in reach. Education and awareness can assist in holding safe space for mental health advocacy. Join organizations within your community, research the facts, and increase conversations surrounding mental health. For some, those April showers can feel dark and long, but the rain will end, and growth will begin. Let’s foster environments that cultivate more “May Flowers.”
Written by: Chelsea Nelms, MS, LMFT (Clinical Therapist, EnSpire Counseling & Wellness) and Leah McMillan, DPA, LMFT, EMDR-T, CFRC (Founder/Owner/Clinical Therapist, EnSpire Counseling & Wellness)
Reference: psychiatry.org
Organization to support: United2Prevent, https://www.united2preventsuicide.org/