Seasonal depression is something that affects many people. Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in the fall or winter when there is less sunlight.
People with SAD may experience symptoms such as feeling down, having low energy, oversleeping, and craving carbohydrates. It can be tough to deal with, but there are ways to manage it. Some strategies include getting outside for natural light, staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, and seeking support. Seasonal depression is most likely in teenagers but adults can also have seasonal depression. What works in most teens if they are mentally drained is music. Most teens can agree that listening to music makes them feel better blocking out everything or going to sleep will help.
The best thing to do is get up and do something when you feel like this even though all you want to do is lay in bed. I interviewed Paige Jensen, ‘’ I think seasonal depression can affect lots of students, by interfering with grades and sports. Seasonal depression can be rough when you have to go to school, I have seen it in many of my friends. The best advice I can give for this is to get a good night’s sleep and get sunlight.’’
Not only can this be difficult for teens but it also can be difficult for adults. Seasonal depression can affect their jobs or relationships with friends or family. Like in teenagers, this can be very difficult for some young adults to cope with.
The only difference between teenagers having depression and adults having depression is adults are easier to get medications, and teens are more likely to get depression medication which can lead to all-year depression.
Although seasonal depression can be hard there are things to help with it like anti-depressants and other medications. If you or someone you know is dealing with seasonal depression, let them know it’s okay to talk to someone. Give them the suicide hotline if you or someone you know needs it.
They can dial 988 and talk or chat with someone 24/7. Most health insurance plans also offer free counseling sessions to anyone in the family. Alliance High School has counselors and The Hope Squad that you or your friends can talk to. Please if you need help please take some time to yourself or talk to someone. We are very supportive at Alliance High school and hope that the students or adults can talk to us about anything.