*This story discusses mental health topics that may be triggering to some readers. If you are experiencing a mental health issue and need help please refer to the resources listed at the bottom of this page.

Winter: a season known for jolly old Saint Nick along with relentless cold and darkness. And once the holidays have faded away, many people find themselves feeling depressed. According to The Mayo Clinic, if this is a recurring emotion every year it can be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Which is a recurring pattern of depression with the seasons, and affects roughly 5% of the U.S. population according to Mental Health America. The appropriately named SAD is more commonly experienced during the winter months when the lack of sunshine decreases serotonin, affecting people’s emotions. 

Everette Saylor, senior, originally thought she was experiencing chronic sickness during the winter and missed school for a total of two months. Looking back on this time she realized this wasn’t due to physical illness, but not being able to get out of bed stemmed from SAD, which she would be diagnosed with following that winter. By noticing a theme of Saylor struggling in the winter, her mom helped her pursue professional help.

“I have diagnosed depression, and when it comes to winter I can’t escape,” Saylor said. “There’s this cloud, and it takes a lot of power to overcome depression and that voice inside of your head. Nothing really motivates me.” 

KHS counselor Robin Giden said she wants students to know they have resources available. Giden wants those who need help, to seek it, and to work to create a network of resources from doctors to therapists. 

“Everyone has something they are dealing with,” Giden said. “We’re [experiencing an increase of SAD] right now with the winter months. Generally with depression I would always recommend students talk to their pediatrician and then hopefully get them set up with an outside therapist. We also have resources at the school like our social workers and Education Resource Counselor.”

Liam Carrey, sophomore, has experienced SAD off and on for the last couple of years. For Carrey, the winter months become harder because coping skills like bike riding aren’t possible, and once January hits the Missouri weather becomes a challenge. Trying to find motivation during the winter months is the biggest struggle according to Carrey.

“I don’t really want to go outside or do anything,” Carrey said. “I lose motivation. It’s kind of like you know you have to do something, but you look at it and have no idea where to start, so you just sit there.” 

According to The Mayo Clinic, treatment for SAD includes light therapy, psychotherapy and medications. Saylor has also found a source of help in the form of a support kitten, Rigby.

“If I could have a soulmate in an animal it would be him,” Saylor said. “[My coping skills are] medicine, counseling and surrounding myself with the right people.”

Giden said other ways people can work to improve their mood while experiencing SAD are exercising, positive self-talk, reinforcing the idea that this feeling isn’t permanent, and regularly eating three times a day. During this year Giden said COVID-19 has affected those who normally experience depression even more, seasonal or not. 

“[COVID-19] is traumatic,” Giden said. “Students today are bombarded with information, and then you add in a global pandemic. It’s just unheard of, and sources of coping have [also] been taken away. I want to have [students] know that I’m here and someone to talk to. There’s this idea that [guidance counselors] have to tell parents, and we don’t. The same way you would go to the doctor with a broken bone, why wouldn’t it be the same for mental health?”

Lifeline Suicide hotline: 1-800-273-8255

School Guidance page

SAMHSA Mental Health Information Helpline: 1-800-487-4889