Seasonal Depression
During the winter months people tend to feel bluer which even though common, can lead to more serious widespread issues. especially when seasonal falls on top of year-round depression. Depression in general is something that seriously weighs a person down. Senior, Will Coram, has diagnosed seasonal depression, and major depressive disorder. Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder usually makes people think of winter but the seasons vary for everyone.
“I get seasonal depression in the winter and for me, I also have major depressive disorder during the whole year so I'm worse during the winter, but I see a physiatrist and am medicated,” Coram said.
Unfortunately, not every person struggling can be medicated. Even being medicated it still doesn’t make everything go away. There is only one approved medication for seasonal depression and what works for one person might not work for another.
Coram has some tips to help battle these feelings.
Not letting yourself be alone all the time because it will reenforce these feelings.
Spending time outside, vitamin D affects your mental health and that's why a majority of people get seasonal depression during the winter and spring because of a lack of sunlight.
For someone who isn’t medicated there are over the counter supplements, like Vitamin D.
People get scared to speak out about their mental health, they can feel like it makes them “inferior”.
“Don't let thinking you're weird from having these feelings stop you from at least asking a doctor and weighing what the right choices are for you.” Coram said.
According to research articles, a main reason for the “winter blues” is a lack of sunlight, sunlight scientifically, directly affects moods.
“Get outside, get amble exercise, hang out with friends and talk with your parents, or a teacher or any other adult”, Mooresville High School guidance counselor Laura Mikesell, said.
Seasonal depression is considered a unique diagnostic entity but it's a lot more common than perceived. So many teens and children struggling don’t ask for help. Mooresville High School has resources including, “school-based counseling and we have three therapists here at the school that are available. There is help available, there is no need for anyone to suffer alone.” Mikesell said. Seasonal affective disorder goes unreported, because many believe that the feelings with naturally pass, but according to counselors, physiatrists and various other medical professionals, medication and counseling is the safest option, and if a student doesn’t have access to these resources, Mooresville High School and every other public school has a team of professions to help.
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| Photo by Lainie Woodward |
