Birthday Blues

Birthday depression can be described as a general sadness on or around your birthday. Birthday blues are very common. Reasons for feeling down around your birthday include:

• Aging. Birthdays can remind us that we are one year older.
• High expectations. We may be disappointed by not having our expectations met for a birthday party or gifts.
• Lack of accomplishments. You are feeling dissatisfied with your achievements since the previous year.
• Social pressure. When we compare our birthdays with our friends' parties, we might feel our celebration is just not good enough.
• Less excitement. Adult birthdays aren't as exciting as our birthdays as kids, and that mismatch can cause the birthday blues.
• Milestone birthdays, such as 16, 21, 30, 40, 50, 60. Some people may feel sad if they don't have a huge party to celebrate their milestone birthday.
• Less love. Turning 18, you're congratulated as an adult. At 45, it is just another birthday.

• Birthday blues are often part of getting older. You are not alone in feeling this way.
• If you want to celebrate, it's on you to plan it or verbalize your own expectations. People can't read your mind.
• Be direct about gifts. People don't always know yo...