5 Tips on How to Deal with Birthday Depression

They say it's only a number, but birthdays are actually milestones in our lives. Once we become sixteen, we can drive a car. Add two more birthdays, and become legal adults. We can also vote. Once we hit twenty-one, we can legally buy and drink alcohol. Many insurance companies give drivers who are at least twenty-five years of age breaks on their premiums. Turn thirty and you're considered to be on your way "over the hill." In a world that cherishes youthfulness, adding another year to your age can make you feel down instead of like celebrating. If that describes you, then here are some tips on how to deal with birthday depression:

Tip #1- Turning Into a Legal Adult
Eighteen is actually a very young age. An eighteen-year-old still has their whole life ahead of them. However, turning this age means that childhood is now behind you, according to the law and society in general. Some people have a hard time accepting the fact that, one day they're a teen, and the next day, suddenly they're considered to be an adult, whether they're ready to leave their childhood behind them or not.

If this describes you, you can help deal with your birthday depression by looking to the future instead of the past. Treasure your fond childhood memories in your heart. But, focus your thoughts and energies on the future. Take stock of your present position and decide where you want your life to go from here. Remember: you have your whole life ahead of you, and you are the captain of your destiny.

Tip #2- Wintertime Birthdays Can Naturally Be Harder
No matter how young or old you are in years, if your birthday falls during the winter months, your depression can be caused by the season instead of your age. People who suffer from SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder- find themselves feeling blue because of the shorter days and the lower amount of sunlight the winter brings. So, maybe it's not really your birthday that's bumming you out. It could be that you suffer from SAD.