Spring is a terrible time of year.
For those of us who live in the northern hemisphere, we have this idea in our heads that spring is a time of warmth, of regrowth and beauty and sunlight. Unfortunately, reality refuses to comply with this and often offers us nothing but rain, wind, chilly temperatures, and gray skies that seem to drag on forever. Is it any wonder that so many of us struggle during this time of year?
I’ve seen quite a few bloggers who are having a difficult time right now, and my heart goes out to all of you. Whether it’s because of the weather and seasonal depression, difficulties with some aspect of your life or health, or something you can’t put words to, I see you. I hear you. I hate that you’re hurting. You’re important, I care about you, and I’m glad you’re a part of my world.
There aren’t any axioms or proverbs or clever one-liners I can share to change anything for anyone, but if this is a difficult time of year for you, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, I struggled massively through the spring for years when I was younger, and I understand the awfulness of it. I can’t tell you when it will end, but I can tell you that even when things feel terrible, I still care. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here, always.
If you’re feeling okay right now, check on your friends. It’s hard to ask for help and to admit when things aren’t as you’d like them to be, and sometimes a quick note or a gesture means the world. And for anyone who may need it, resources and help are out there:
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
A list of international suicide hotlines.
If you’re struggling, you’re in my thoughts and my heart. Fight on, friends, one breath at a time.
Thank you for this inspirational post. This April has actually been better for me, as I enjoy the slightly warmer temperatures without the flowers blooming and my allergies destroying me. But the darkness of this winter was definitely difficult, I felt like I had no energy to do anything.
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Oh boy, do I understand the energy thing. I’ve been struggling with that since November (I got sick, my daughter got sick, then I got sick again, and I haven’t felt right ever since). I’m glad you’re coming out of it! (Hopefully you’re not getting the snowstorm that we are today, oh my goodness…)
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This is a lovely post, Stephanie! It’s so important for those who are struggling to know they’re not alone and there are those out there who completely understand what they’re going through.
Seasonal depression is so interesting! I actually hate Spring because it’s when Arizona starts warming up again. Also, it’s when the creepy crawlies come back — bugs, snakes, etc. I don’t have depression, but I’m not a fan of the constant sunshine and heat we have here. It zaps all my energy. I feel more myself when it’s rainy, grey, and cool outside.
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
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Growing up, I was miserable every single spring, probably until my late 20’s. I’ve kind of learned to embrace the hygge of bad weather and that’s helped (and I always enjoy a gray, rainy day!). Which is good, because while I have friends in other places posting pictures of starting their gardens, we got slammed with a snowstorm today…which is even more ridiculous when you consider it’s supposed to be 70 degrees on Tuesday. 😀
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK, I think you’ve turned me off of Arizona forever with that, haha!
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This is such a lovely post ♥♥♥ It can be so hard, I know I have had QUITE a time lately and I think you are so right that it is extra hard when everyone else seems to be… perking up at spring, for lack of a better phrase. Like okay it’s sunny but life is still garbage, so. I think sometimes people forget that, and it is really great that you reminded everyone that sometimes things are just a struggle in people’s lives- no matter what is going on around us. Beautiful picture, too!
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I truly hope things begin to improve for you soon! All the spring decoration stuff with all the green and the flowers always used to just make me feel so…blah. The days when the sky would be full-on blue with glorious sunshine would make me happy, and then I’d step outside to find that it was 21 degrees out, with blasts of icy wind, and that would just kind of make my soul shrivel. Spring is my least favorite season of all, even though I don’t struggle with it quite as much as I used to, but I still very much remember how desperate it all feels, and you’re absolutely not alone. ❤
And thank you! Pic is from my front yard after one of our many summer rainstorms. 🙂
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This is a great post, and I love that you are here supporting everyone. It can be hard for me too, and we can forget that it’s hard for others as well. SO thank you!
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Thank YOU! Mental health can be so difficult to navigate and I don’t want anyone to feel that they’re alone.
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I love that you see people struggling, and your instinct is to DO something about it. I’m sure this has made many blogger friends feel seen.
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I hope so! I’ve just been there so many times myself, and I’ve seen so many people talk about how they’re struggling right now (which isn’t easy to do!), and I had to add some love and support to that conversation. 🙂 No one struggles alone. ❤
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