How Summer Depression Can Be Compared to the Cardinal

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(I apologize. This post accidentally went out today before I edited it. This post was written years ago. I have not struggled with depression for over twenty years. Bad days, sure. A bad week, yes. But clinical depression? No. I‘m posting the corrected version. )

Sometimes depression reminds me of a cardinal in summer. Who notices a cardinal in summer anyway?

cardinal in summer

They don’t stand out. A red cardinal in a green tree is not as noticeable, but a red cardinal on a white snow-blanketed limb? Now that’s contrast. We really take notice then, even though the cardinal has been around all year.

cardinal in winter

Depression Can Be Subtle.

Depression is like that, subtly hiding against an obscure background for years. In my case, twelve years. I can ignore it, but I can’t pretend it isn’t hanging around. When my mood suddenly drops or I feel anxious without warning, that’s a heads up. That’s when I immediately put my management techniques into high gear.

I make sure that I walk at least five days a week, although 90% of the time, it’s seven days a week. No matter what. I’ve literally “walked ” myself right out of an anxiety attack on more than one occasion.

Exercise really, really works.

Some of you are saying, “Oh, no.” Not another exercise advocate. I’m really not; I just know it works.

The Research is Overwhelming.

Many studies have proven that exercising works as well and sometimes better than antidepressants. Personally, I think it might be more than just the act of exercising itself. I think it might also be because we feel we have some control over our depression. We feel we’re doing something constructive. (Of course, it’s a heck of a lot harder than just swallowing a pill.) I have to make myself exercise as much as anyone else.

How about you? Are you willing to give exercise a try? Just walk for thirty minutes five days this week. See if you don’t feel better.

If you absolutely can’t make that commitment, at least move around the house for one-half hour, or wherever you are. I’m finding it difficult today myself. There is someone staying with me who is severely depressed. They are taking all my time, not to mention all my emotional energy. I’ve listened and encouraged to the point of physical exhaustion. That’s a danger signal for me.

So my strategy to keep DEPRESSION or anxiety at bay means I’m making myself work out today. Exercise is a no-brainer for me; my emotional survival is at stake.

Besides, the not-wanting-to-exercise demon wanes in comparison to my fear-of-the-depression-demon.

demon depression
(I know this picture is scary, but for someone who’s experienced depression, it’s spot-on.)

Summer Depression Is A Very Real Thing

I know two people who struggle more in summer than in fall and winter. Don’t be ashamed if that’s you. You’re not the only one. Summer depression can even feel worse because doesn’t all that sunshine mean I’m supposed to feel sunny myself? That darn sun!

sun

Do what you need to do to take care of yourself. You don’t have to attend every summer activity.

But don’t avoid them either. Being a hermit won’t help either. There is a balance, and only you can find it.

As always, bring your depression to God. He hates it as much as you do. But there may be a lesson to learn or a growth step to take.

God bless, and I wish you a great day.