What is weekend depression?

It is Friday evening, Saturday midday, or Sunday morning, and you started to feel:

-       Sad, low mood

-       Low self-esteem

-       Emptiness

-       Fatigue

-       Changes in appetite or sleep

-       Irritability, anger outbursts

-       Difficulty making decisions, remembering things.

You are not the only one to feel like this. These days, we hear more about people feeling sad and lonely on the weekends.

Weekdays are spent in mode of doing, task to task, finishing chores, and achieving. For a few of us, this mode of doing distracts us from our troubles and sad and anxious thoughts.

Weekends mean fun, freedom from the daily grind, and relaxation. So, why few people have this feeling of sadness, listlessness, emptiness during weekends?

Weekend depression is not a formal clinical diagnosis. It is a mood dip, a feeling of sadness, anxiety, or dread that arises on weekends. It can start on any day, Friday evening, or Sunday morning. It goes away at the start of the week and can come back again week after week if not recognized and learned to cope with.

It can happen to a teenager, 25 a 25-year-old, or a 40-year-old.

“I've consistently experienced a sense of listlessness and emptiness during weekends. Being in public places like the beach or market, where others are enjoying themselves, makes me feel sad and alone. However, as Monday begins, I start to feel alive once more. I dread the weekends because of this low, gloomy feeling.”

                                                                                                  Rama, a 32-year-old female

What is it?

We live in a pleasure-seeking and hyperconnected time. Sometimes, a lack of pleasure or connection can induce a dip in mood. It is generally attributed to psychological and social factors rather than a distinct, specific neurobiological condition. The neurobiology involved is likely the same as that of general depression or mood regulation, linked to disruptions in typical brain chemistry and function, particularly those related to stress, sleep, and social engagement.

Why does it affect a few people?

Some people find pleasure in their lives only through external structures. The weekend lacks this! Some people have unresolved stressors and past trauma that resurface during the weekend when there are no work distractions. Also, some individuals are naturally more resilient or have developed effective coping mechanisms for managing stress and transition periods.

 The weekend feeling of sadness can stem from the stress of returning to work, a lack of structure on the weekend, or a sense of feeling unproductive.

While it is different from major depression, you can manage it by:

1. Create structure:   Do meal prep, transportation plans, childcare arrangements, and check in with your significant other or spouse about their week, a hike, or calling family members.

2. Engaging Weekends: Having fulfilling hobbies, social activities, and personal interests can help individuals fully disconnect and recharge, reducing the impact of the blues 

2. Explore shared interest groups: Try to intentionally join interest groups like playing bridge, mahjong, hiking, movie viewing, etc.

3. Connect with family online: If family members are living away from you, look forward to connecting with them by calling them or sending messages. Share some news, an interesting article, or information with them.

4. Volunteer your time: Local organizations like pet care, elderly, SEN children, or the homeless need your help. Your engagement with these cases can increase a sense of purpose and meaning during weekends.

6. Maintaining a routine: a set time of waking up, sleeping, and eating is helpful in sustaining the order that the week gives.

7. Reduce social comparison: Comparing one's less active or social weekend to the seemingly exciting weekends portrayed on social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy and depression.

7. seeking professional help if feelings are severe or persistent.