By Carter Barry ’25
Whether it’s the low temperatures, bitter wind, or lack of sunshine, winter is known to be a challenging time for all of us. All the warmth and wintery excitement seem to pass without a holiday or New Year’s Eve party to look forward to. Post-holiday, the magic of snow and warm drinks seems to fade away. After December, winter can feel plain out lame. But it can be more than just feeling down every now and then. How, you may ask? Well, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is an actual type of depression; the American Psychiatric Association explains that it affects people of all ages and can last “…around 40% of the year” (Torres, 2020). So, how should we approach the overwhelming sadness of the cold?
Above all, it’s essential to remember that it’s only temporary. Like all things, it will pass. No feeling or emotion will last forever with the same intensity that it does now. Similar to a bad headache, it will slip away as it always does. But it’s not easy to simply let things go on their own or wait until the feeling subsides. So, let’s visit more proactive methods, like being cognizant of how you treat your body. Working out and staying active is vital for mood and well-being. A UCLA health report states that “…on average, a person has 3.4 poor mental health days per month. But among those who exercise, the number of poor mental health days dropped by more than 40 percent” (UCLAhealth, 2018). Getting out of bed to walk all the way to the gym filled with grunting weightlifters and X-term guys doesn’t sound like a ton of fun, but it pays off. If you’re not currently involved in a co-curricular activity that pushes you to break a sweat or engage in anything physical, you might want to visit our lovely Emerson fitness center a few times a week. There are plenty of simple yet effective exercises to do while there, and if you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing, ask a friend! Coinciding with physical activity is eating healthy; an apple a day keeps the sadness away! On the more therapeutic side, having someone to talk to is also very helpful. John Hopkins Medicine advises you to “Try to be with other people and confide in someone. It is usually better than being alone and secretive” (John Hopkins Medicine, 2023). Find a friend who listens openly or visit Dr. Konik’s office in Brinsmade. There is no shame in expressing how you feel, and being able to voice your worries or sorrows helps tremendously.
Whether you feel like it or not, you are never alone. Sadness comes and goes at all points of the year, and managing it is no easy task. So, if you’re feeling down because of the chilly weather or something more than just this difficult time of the year, reach out! There will always be someone who can offer a hug, advice, encouragement, or maybe just uplifting words. Remember, it’ll get warmer, and it’ll get easier. Hang in there Highlanders; spring is just around the corner!
Works Cited
“Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).” Psychiatry.Org – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
“The Link between Exercise and Mental Health.” UCLA Health
“Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/seasonal-affective-disorder. Accessed 19 Jan. 2024.
