It’s the most dangerous time of year

Most suicides do not take place at the winter holidays, like most people think, but happen toward the end of July and in August. At this time of year, being aware of how the people we love are feeling is even more important than usual.

It’s not enough just to say something if you see something; you may have to be the one to give someone a ride to the doctor’s office. One observation and one action can save a life, maybe several lives.

Why do suicide rates go up in the summer?

No one knows.

But my thinking is that the days are much longer than in the winter, and this can be hard if you are depressed.

Of course, seasonal affective disorder is just the opposite: People become

depressed without enough light or time outdoors in the winter. But for others who suffer with depression year-round, bedtime may be the best part of their day, and having to stay up later gives them too much time to ruminate on their internal pain. It is also one of the reasons that alcohol and drug use increases as well in summer.

You can be depressed without being suicidal — many millions of people are — but if you are having suicidal thoughts and have the means and a plan, you are in danger. You can pick up the phone and call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) right now, and have someone listen at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Help really is just 11 digits away.

I sometimes suffer from depression, but what keeps me from sinking deeper is the knowledge that my outlook can change in a New York minute. The phone can ring, an email will come, someone will apologize to you or acknowledge your value. This is true for all of us.

With the pandemic, things have gotten worse for most people who are depressed. Loneliness is also at an epidemic level, and that kind of heartache can lead you to thinking that the world would be just fine without you, which is a lie.

You add to the fabric of society, and are important simply because you care. You also matter to others, even if you don’t think you do. Maybe it’s just the computer tech you talk to once a month or a delivery person, but you do matter to them.

Someone I hardly knew from my office building died of COVID-19. We used to say hello when we passed each other, and maybe we would talk about boats for a few minutes.

Not a deep relationship, but he mattered to me, and his loss is something I feel. There are people who have feelings like that for you as well; you just don’t know it or can’t feel it right now.

Suicide is not an answer. It’s just a way to quit feeling. Even if your feelings aren’t good, they actually are a reminder that you are alive. As long as you are breathing, you can change your situation and your attitude. You may need to reach out for a little help, but more is available than ever before, so what are you waiting for?