As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, many people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) begin to feel as though going to school, work, and even waking up are simply pointless. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or as it is more commonly known, Seasonal Depression, is a major depressive disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association, it is reportedly found in about 5% of people in the U.S, and affects them for over 40% of any given year.
Symptoms of SAD can vary from discrete to life-threatening indicators, however they will likely present differently on each person. A few common ones include loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, waves of fatigue, brain fog, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping too much or not enough, feeling a loss of self, and suicidal thoughts in extreme cases.
People who are most prone to having SAD are females of of a young age with a relative who has had SAD, most of the time living far from the equator where there is less sunlight in winter months, as explained by Newport Academy. Many of these are indicators that can signify other mental health issues, but it is important to be aware of the probable underlying issue during months in which the seasons are changing, being that SAD comes around at those same times.
In today’s society, the response many kids give to their parents and teachers when asked about their wellbeing is either “ fine”, or “I’m just tired”. When this response becomes less genuine and more frequent, it is adolescents’ mind and body’s way of saying that they are in need of something. Whether it be better nutrition, more support emotionally, help with something stressful, or when it comes to the seasons changing, they may need someone to just be there for them, in order to remind them that they are not alone
When all is said and done, there is no way for anybody to truly fix someone else’s mental health issues. It is important to acquire support from therapists, dietitians, psychiatrists, or even doctors for the person struggling. These professionals have been trained to know what lengths they must go to, in order to combat the illness as best they can. Thus, when the leaves start falling, the sun begins shining too bright, and the cold starts nipping at noses. Whether it be with a smile in the hallway or a note telling someone how much you appreciate them, it truly shows that you are willing to give a little of your light to those who are missing it. Simply remember to check in on your loved ones, just remind them how worthy of feeling HAPPY they are.
