OPINION: Staying Positive with Seasonal Depression

It’s that time of year where the sun begins setting sooner and sooner. The breeze is cold, now, and the leaves blow all around campus as the trees wither away for the winter. Despite my excitement about fall, it’s always a bittersweet time to live through. Every year, I think it will be different, and every year, I feel the cold sink in and the light leaving the skies.

It’s especially difficult this year – there are no fun parties to attend, no outdoor events. It feels like the days are a constant cycle of dorm-classroom-dorm; I’m drowning in the monotony of it all.

For that reason, I’ve chosen to be more proactive this year. I’m not waiting until I’m severely depressed to take action because that ultimately makes life harder. I have my sunlight lamp set up, and alarms set every morning so that I don’t miss the few bright hours in the day. I’m taking walks outside to get some real sunlight, and I’m eating regularly and fairly healthily.  

Movement helps with depression, though it seems like an uphill battle sometimes. Sunlight also helps you feel happier. Even though we can’t physically see all of our friends right now, there are still many ways to feel connected. You can stay in touch on social media, through FaceTime or even writing letters.

Now more than ever, we need to focus on human connection through any means available. It’s important that you feel supported even if you can’t see all of your friends in person. Remember, counseling is still available on campus.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. There’s nothing shameful about asking for help. The biggest part of self-care is knowing that you can’t always do it entirely by yourself.

Carrie King - Staff Writer