If you have ever felt unexpectedly low or emotional around your birthday, you are not alone. For many people, the day meant for celebration can instead stir sadness, reflection, or even anxiety. Psychologists call this phenomenon birthday depression, a feeling of melancholy or irritability that arises around one’s birthday. Peer-reviewed research shows that birthdays, especially milestone ones, can trigger self-reflection and emotional distress related to aging, unmet goals, and social expectations. A large Japanese study published in PLOS ONE found higher suicide rates around milestone birthdays, suggesting increased psychological vulnerability. These feelings are common and reflect normal responses to life evaluation rather than personal weakness. Birthdays are often loaded with

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