IS AUGUST MAKING YOU SICK?

According to psychologists, the worst months for depression are February and August. Makes you wonder what’s so bad about those particular months. But when you realize how fickle we humans are, it makes sense. We may love the snow and ice around the holidays, but by February, we’re sick of it. Ditto for August. Loved spring flowers, Memorial Day , and 4^th of July. But we’re really tired of sweating under a blazing sun. It seems like half the people we know are complaining of not feeling very well because of too much sun, or something they ate. We want a change. Now. But cool weather seems a long way off. Is August making you sick? And if so, why?

The heat and humidity hit us in the face when we walk out of our air conditioned home and offices. There aren’t any holiday picnics, because there are no August holidays. However, it’s a popular month for family reunions. Which means that you’re stuck outside with no A/C , making conversation with distant relatives, and eating foods full of mayonnaise like deviled eggs and potato salad.. If that doesn’t give you heartburn. just keep eating cake, cookies and pie. Don’t be surprised if you start feeling a little queasy .

All of a sudden, some of us are starting to sneeze.. Even if you don’t suffer from fall allergies, chances are you know someone who does. They’re the worst. The afflicted feel worn out, irritable, and depressed. Doctors advise them to stay indoors, which means they can’t enjoy all the outdoor activities unless they take allergy meds, all of which have side effects.. The only hope is for an early frost, hard enough to kill off all the pollen. But with climate change upon us, that day comes much later than it used to—sometimes not until November.

School now starts in August—way too early. What ever happened to After Labor Day school openings? Some kids dread school starting, while others are over excited. It’s a stress for families buying school supplies, spending a fortune on new school clothes and shoes. Inflation is making everything worse.

If you’re sending kids off to college, it may feel like an emotional roller coaster. Proud and happy that they’ve made it this far, but knowing how much you’re going to miss having them around. Sometimes, it’s hard to hold back the tears.

Is August making you sick? You’re not alone. The August Blues are a real phenomenon.. But just as sure as night follows day, cool weather is coming. . Soon, we’ll be eating crisp, tangy apples and enjoying fall colors as the leaves turn..

August 18, 2021August 20, 2021

FEELING THOSE AUGUST BLUES?

Have you been feeling more than a little anxious lately? Or maybe a bit depressed? What’s wrong, you wonder. You look out the window and see flowers blooming, and the sun shining. That’s should make you happy, but it doesn’t. Take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. You’re feeling those August Blues.

Psychologists have various explanations. First of all, you’re sick and tired of the heat and humidity. The hot weather was fun at first. You could walk through the park, go on picnics, and watch the fireworks on the 4^th of July. But come August, there’s nothing much to look forward to, and Labor Day seems a long way off. Many people are posting pictures of their wonderful vacations. But you’re stuck at home for various reasons. Everyone seems to be having fun but you.

Worse yet, in the middle of August, fall allergies start to kick in. Sneezing, and feelings of fatigue are dragging you down. The various antihistamines offer some relief, but all come with side effects. You’re either groggy or wired, depending on what you decide to take. All you can hope for is the first frost, which kills the nasty pollen. But with global warming, that day may not come until November. So you’re facing a couple of months of taking meds and feeling woozy.

August is also a time for going back to school, which may trigger bad memories. That was often a difficult time for many of us who dreaded the routines, the interaction with “mean girls,” and the loss of freedom that comes with in-person schooling.

This month, the outlook for the Covid-19 epidemic seems dismal. Last summer, we thought it would all be over by now. But it’s getting worse with the delta variant that’s caused a surge in hospitalizations.

And now, there’s the bad news coming out of Afghanistan. No matter how you felt about our involvement in the war, you can’t help but mourn the way it’s turned out. The abrupt withdrawal, with men falling to their death from airplanes while trying to escape. The cruel fate awaiting women. The executions and beheadings. This is like reading The Diary of Anne Pfrank. How can this be happening in our modern world?

According to psychologists, summertime depression often brings insomnia, loss of appetite, weight loss and feelings of agitation or anxiety.

Like any other form of depression, you can use various coping mechanisms. Meditation. Yoga. Distractions. Self Care. You might even seek counseling. Meanwhile, you’re feeling those August Blues.

September 7, 2020September 7, 2020

QUITTING THE NEWS COLD TURKEY

Okay, I’ll admit it. I’ve turned into a news junkie since the pandemic hit. Forced to stay home, I’ve read and listened to more news than ever before. It usually peaked out Friday night, what with Washington Week in Review, Indiana Week in Review, in addition to cable news. But last night was the last straw. When they started talking about Trump calling war heroes losers, I just could not take it any more. I have no idea if this was fake or real news. But after a summer of protests, riots, federal executions, covid-19, and politics, everything you see and hear in the media has become very depressing. Too much news can affect your mental health. This morning, I decided to empty my brain. I’m quitting the news cold turkey over Labor Day.

Here’s how it’s going this Saturday morning:

I've stopped being a news junkie. Going cold turnkey from the news over labor day. — Has the pandemic turned you into a news junkie? It may be time to quit the news cold turkey..

8: 30 a.m. Starting with the newspapers. We subscribe to two: local, and Indy Star. Before taking my first sip of coffee, I resolve not to read any story about the election, Trump, Biden, or any politician. Same for riots and protests. None of which I can control. What is left? Start with the comics. Typically, I skim over them, pausing to read one or two favorites. Today, I read most every cartoon and comic. They actually are somewhat entertaining . We usually don’t read the sports section. But now, I’m surprised to find some interesting stories. One about some parents whose son plays for Purdue. Another about a rookie who signed a four year deal with the Colts. I might even watch a Colts game to see him play. The virus statistics still merit my attention, since our city’s positivity rate is so alarming.

9: 45 a.m. My daughter arranged for me to watch my grandson’s cross country meet , live streamed on Facebook. Seeing all those fine young people running their hearts out gave me so much hope. I think of him when I see other youngsters running in the park. When that generation comes of age, I believe America is going to be just fine.

11:15. Since I can’t swim during the pandemic my, arthritis has gotten worse. Now, I’ll take some time to go back and do some of the exercises I learned to do in therapy. Yes, they’re a pain, and boring too. But they are much needed if I want to keep walking in the park.

Walking in the park ,i phone in my pocket. Every time it dings, I’m tempted. All those apps—NY Times, Drudge, Reuters, Yahoo, CNN. I’m fighting the urge to sit down and read the depressing news of the day. But I made it home without giving in.

12:30. I’ve made it to lunch time without checking “Breaking News” . Not even those alarming emails that flash across my iphone all day long. Our snail mail came, with forms to request absentee ballots, sent by the Democratic party. Tossed them in the wastebasket. If I decide to vote, it will be in person.

This afternoon I’ll go to the library. Here’s hoping I’m off to a good start. Just for this Labor Day weekend, I’m quitting the news cold turkey. I need a little break before I can face it all again and find some balance between being informed and overwhelmed. . And who knows? Maybe there’s some good news on the horizon.