Urban Dictionary defines “Birthday Blues” or “birthday depression” as “a general sadness or feeling down by a person on or around his or her birthday.” A person feeling birthday blues should know that it is normal to feel this way and should be supported by his or her family and friends.
What is Birthday Depression?
While there may be many reasons someone feels down on their birthday, some of the most common reasons include: 1. Aging 2. High expectations 3. Lack of accomplishments 4. Social pressure 5. Less excitement 6. Milestone birthdays 7. Less love
Why are Birthdays so Hard?
Aging. Birthdays can remind us that we are aging another year. It’s the “official” day that we are one year older, even though the day before our birthday we feel virtually the same. High expectations. Sometimes we are disappointed by not having expectations met by a birthday party, celebration, or gifts. I’ll cover more of that below.
Lack of accomplishments. Feeling unsatisfied with accomplishments since the previous year or previous birthday is a common cause of birthday depression. Social pressure. Have you ever felt like all the birthdays in movies look really good? Or maybe you see your friend’s Instagram picture and see how cool their birthday parties are.
Less excitement. When we are kids, birthdays are awesome. We get to party, go to the movies, and eat cake. Milestone birthdays. Have you ever heard of Sweet 16, 21, 30, 40, 50, and 60? These are the “milestone birthdays” that are celebrated throughout our culture. Less love. You’re 4 years old? Wow, great job! Turning 18? Finally an adult! It’s your 45th birthday? Umm…congratulations? As growing adults, you may notice how people pay less attention to you—especially the older you get.