Seasonal Blues By: Briana Dean

Silence, cold breeze naked trees flow all around the air tears everywhere. Thiss is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or seasonal depression, which is a type of depression that follows a consistent pattern due to changes in the weather and daylight. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms typically begin in late fall or early winter and improve during spring and summer when daylight increases. While often dismissed as “winter blues,” Seasonal affective disorder is a serious condition that can affect one’s mood, energy, and the way they function daily. 

Individuals with this disorder tend to experience sadness, fatigue, difficulty focusing, and even changes in their appetite. Pattern such as oversleeping, cravings and withdrawal from society may occur in the winter, as for the summer most experience happiness although it is possible while rare some may experience insomnia, poor appetite, agitation and irritation For example , a Hillgrove student Christina Hajyi said ‘’Food is my happiness ‘’ Proving that the symptoms can very even though she might struggle from time to time she still finds a way to be happy or content. 

Treatment for seasonal depression often includes different types of therapy such as light therapy, which exposes the individuals to bright artificial light to make up for  for reduced natural sunlight.  Madison Johnson stated, “I use lights and candles and different types of scents to uplift my spirits as I go through this temporary pain,” showing a way she fights through the sadness and feeling of isolation.  

Finally, seasonal depression is something you should take more seriously and be more aware of as it may only be temporary, but it causes serious symptoms and pain. The illness needs more recognition because this illness causes deep issues sometimes. We should our loved ones in need by showing them different techniques and skills to cope with, especially for people who may be scared to talk to a therapist or a friend.