In our little corner of the world, I think many of us appreciate relatively clean air, beautiful vistas of mountains and water, and moderate year-round temperatures. All of that has gone out the window over the last few weeks. We’ve experienced searing, record breaking heat (they always say it’s so hot in Toronto, but I’ll bet there hasn’t been one day in the last two months when Toronto was warmer than Vancouver), wildfires, a dome of smoke obscuring our views, fine particulate matter threatening our lungs, and the constant scent of campfire in the air. The sky looks like photos of Beijing from when the olympics were held there years ago. Our lovely little area, rife with natural beauty, has become the staging ground for some kind of impending armageddon. Some of us might find it easier to adjust than others. I have asthma, so I’m torn between trying to maintain my health by avoiding outdoor exertion, and the willful sense that I should be able to do my normal activities. Others can’t stand perspiring in their beds at night, and others came to visit our area hoping to take in the natural beauty we’re known for. Whenever things are different from what we would like or expect, it’s natural to feel a variety of emotions, a common one being frustration. And, when uncomfortable or unwanted conditions persist day in and day out, another common reaction is sadness, demoralization and resignation. Many people with depression struggle with these very reactions. They start off by feeling frustrated and angry with themselves for being so depressed so often. As it continues, they develop hopeless thinking and a sense of demoralization. This, of course, makes problems with depression even worse. Whether we’re dealing with unwanted weather patterns or crushing sad moods, one strategy that can reduce the burden a bit is acceptance. Acceptance involves being open to reality as it is, allowing things to be exactly as they are, and acknowledging that things are as they are. Now, acceptance doesn’t mean we’ve given up the desire to change or make our situation better; it just means we’re open to seeing and experiencing things the way they are. Acceptance often is the first step toward taking productive action. If you’re depressed, acceptance that you’re having symptoms of depression will help you let go of anger and frustration toward yourself (or about your situation), freeing you up to take an active, productive approach to problem solving. Acceptance that I have a lung condition and that it’s hazardous to exercise outside is an important first step in doing what I can to protect my health. When I practice acceptance, often my willfulness and frustration start to slip away, rising and then disappearing (even though they do come back from time to time). I’m going to work inside this afternoon, do some light exercise (yoga or something), and wait until the smoke does the same. – Alexander L. Chapman, Ph.D., R.Psych.