A letter from the editors,
Mental health is an issue that impacts millions of individuals every year, yet despite the relevance, it tends to be a topic avoided in discussions. As a Roar staff, we are working to break the stigmas around mental health issues and cover stories that deal with this difficult topic.
We strive to write articles that matter.
The article below is an article for a section we are working to develop thoughtfully and purposefully, regarding mental health. Seasonal Depression affects millions year including high school students. Staff member Emily Camp decided to cover the topic as we went into the winter season.
Olivia Austin, Calvin Hyde and Victoria Scovel
As winter approaches, many students begin to develop a feeling known as “Seasonal Depression.”
Seasonal Depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is characterized as a mood disorder that occurs at the same time each year, mostly around the fall and winter seasons, affecting the United States with over 3 million cases per year.
Seasonal Depression has primarily three main causes: reduced level of sunlight throughout the day, serotonin levels and melatonin levels. Additionally, some factors causing Seasonal Depression include family history of mental illness, pre-existing severe depression or major bipolar disorders and having a lack of sunlight.
If not treated, symptoms can affect a person’s “social battery”, causing school and work problems or suicidal thoughts, along with substance abuse.
Students may suffer from mental health conditions before seasonal depression starts up, it can worsen those symptoms.
Sophomore Jayme Vanderroest said, “I struggle without seasonal depression but the whole mix of cabin fever with cold weather and no sun just makes each day a bit harder”
Those who battle with seasonal depression include impermanent symptoms of feeling depressed most of the day, loss of interest, low energy, sleep problems, appetite and weight changes, feeling agitated, difficulty concentrating, feeling hopeless, guilty or worthless, along with having suicidal or self-harming thoughts.
“I feel tired all of the time and have little motivation,” Staff writer Tori Witke said.
Each student experiences different symptoms.
Sophomore Aubrey Pellegrom said, “I don’t feel like doing anything, [I become] very sad [and my] eating disorder spirals.”
Symptoms occur differently among each individual, as everyone has their own experience when struggling with mental health.
Vanderroest said, “[I feel] tired all the time, lonely, never have an appetite, [don’t] find joy [or] happiness in anything, music taste turns to [slower] sad songs, life feels pointless.”
Many different individuals cope in multiple different ways. Each person has their own way of dealing with their mental health issues.
“I talk to my mother a lot. I don’t know what I would do without her and she is one of my biggest supporters,’’ junior Abi Martin said.
Many students have included the help from friends and family, breaks from school, therapy, music, spending money and coloring.
If you are unaware of how to support those who find difficulty with seasonal depression, be aware of the many ways you can show that support for them.
Junior Gabby Robach said, “Be a good option to talk to when needed.”
Pellegrom states, “BE NICER”
“Just let them know they aren’t alone [with] their struggles and just let them know you are there for them if they need a shoulder to lean on,” Vanderroest said.
So, when peers show signs or symptoms, be aware of how one can show support and know how to help when it is needed.
