Seasonal Depression at OHS
By Aaron Fair
Picture of Owasso High School hallway taken by Aaron Fair
During the winter season, many students feel the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Due to the lack of sunshine, irregularity of activity, and in many cases social isolation—the depressive state of individuals regularly increases mainly during the winter months and rarely in the spring or summer.
With the unpredictability of Oklahoma weather, it is important to note the ways in which people can combat the existential feelings of SAD for all seasons.
Counselor at OHS Jayme Risenhoover says “Have a hobby, we all need hobbies. Things that we enjoy doing, that we can just stop and put all things that are pressing aside … and get involved with whatever that is.” She specifies, “Things that get you outside.”
In the months of the school year where sports, and most outdoor activities are in their off-seasons—it often feels as if students are stuck indoors at all times of the day. As a result, it is important to find ways to care for the natural dependency we have on the outdoors.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) says “With less daylight in the winter, people with SAD may have lower Vitamin D levels, further reducing serotonin activity.”
Spending time outdoors and consuming natural light, despite the winter weather, are often very effective measures to combat the lack of sunlight exposure. In some cases, light therapy methods are used to treat SAD.
In an article from John Hopkins Medicine, the author says, “If increasing sunlight is not possible, exposure to a special light for a certain amount of time a day may help … check with your healthcare provider for a recommendation.”
With the increased isolation that often comes with being stuck indoors, lack of social interaction is often a contributing factor to SAD.
Risenhoover comments, “Just talking to people, whether it be your parents or friends … just have somebody to talk to … we all need somebody to talk to.”
People often find support when confiding with friends and family, whether that be through mutual activities like going to see a movie or having in-depth conversations about the feelings one experiences with SAD.
If this is not an option, there are many opportunities for support within the community. For example, schools provide opportunities to have conversations with professionals. OHS has very experienced counselors that are available to support the student body. The school counselors also have references to licensed therapists, and frequently publicize the 988 Lifeline around school halls.
Joining clubs and organizations is also a great opportunity to meet new people within the school and reach out to new groups of people.
The stress that students feel throughout the school year has become increasingly high. The need to fit-in, participate in extracurricular activities and perform exceedingly well in academics has filled the schedules of all too many students in their golden years. The expectations that rest on many students has become overwhelming and impossible to balance in a healthy way. However, students can find comfort in knowing that there are people willing to help in schools and communities.
LINKS
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/seasonal-affective-disorder
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression