As summer and fall turn to winter and the night starts earlier, so comes along seasonal depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a real mental illness that comes along when the winter months come around. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms include feeling depressed and worthless, having low energy, and changes in appetite.
SAD effects approximately four to six percent of people, while ten to twenty percent may have mild symptoms. It’s time we brought seasonal depression into the conversation.
Seasonal depression is a real mental illness that deserves just as much acknowledgement as depression and anxiety disorders. Some people will say that it is not as serious as other forms of depression and that it will go away, therefore it is not a big deal. But SAD can cause symptoms such as suicidal ideation and feelings of hopelessness.
Even if someone does not have any suicidal thoughts, that does not mean seasonal depression does not need the attention it deserves. Any changes in a person’s behavior that is negatively impacting their life should be of concern. For the people who suffer from seasonal depression, I am here with you. I believe you.
It can be difficult to seek help or feel validated for your emotions. However, SXU has a great counseling center that is a safe place to talk about emotions, behaviors, and create a plan that works for the individual.
Mental illness has always been a topic of discussion in society and how everyone deserves to be happy. Yet the big hitters – depression, anxiety, and mood disorders – seem to disinclude seasonal affective disorder. We should talk more about SAD not as a phase or the “winter blues” but as a serious mental disorder.
I dislike people that invalidate other people’s mental illness. I think everyone deserves to be heard, to be respected, and to be encouraged to seek help. The best way to create a plan to deal with seasonal depression is to get help from a counselor, therapist, or doctor. They are the professionals that are trained to help with mental illness.
However, this also means we cannot diagnose each other. We, as friends, can always offer advice and support. But never become someone’s doctor or worse – give them medication not prescribed to them.
Some helpful ways to help your friend include, taking them out for a fun day, listening to them through their journey, and recommend professional help if necessary. If a friend is in crisis, please seek immediate help for them.
People who suffer with SAD deserve to be legitimized as much as people with other mental illnesses.
Do not say “It’s just a phase” or “This will pass.” Such words can make a person feel smaller and that they do not deserve love and support. We can come together to help people who suffer with SAD.
Winter may come to an end, but the battle for finding a cure to seasonal depression continues. We must be diligent in finding a way to make sure everyone feels they are validated can be helped.
Emily Rubino
Opinions Editor
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