Winter is often associated with cold, cloudy, and gray, so for many it’s a season of sadness.  

Students at EHS are experiencing an uncomfortable and exhausting sadness due to the frigid winter months, leaving them with a lack of motivation and a surge of apathy.

What exactly are the “Winter Blues,” otherwise known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of the year such as winter and is caused by the body’s response to the change in daylight hours. SAD is common amongst teenagers and affects the diverse community of EHS. SAD not only impacts individuals mentally, but physically too. In order to help not only yourself but also your peers around you, be aware of the symptoms: changes in mood, sleep patterns, eating habits, and trouble focusing. 

While this overabundance of emotions may seem harmless, this annual feeling causes students to feel trapped in a recurring cycle. This sudden shift in one’s life can be confusing and damaging to a student’s ability to function. Students not just here at EHS but students around the world experience this rollercoaster of emotions.

“I don’t think my mental health has been significantly affected by winter, but I feel some changes. I feel a lot more lazy and the cold weather hasn’t been helping with my overall mood at all,” said Sahasra Chalamalasetti ‘27.

These feelings may appear minor, but they become a major part in a student’s academic and personal life. Students often find themselves struggling to do their schoolwork for a number of reasons, such as feeling burnt out due to the piles of schoolwork given near the end of the marking period. Additionally, lack of sleep, improper diet, and even limited light exposure and Vitamin D are all explanations for why students may be feeling melancholy. There are many layers to one’s emotional health, but there doesn’t always have to be scientific reasons to feel real. 

During this time of the year, following winter break and the holidays, themes of family and togetherness continue. Students may be feeling lonely in cold classrooms instead of cozy with loved ones. This emotional frostbite causes the seemingly contagious feeling of emptiness and negativity in the cold air, which incapacitates students. 

A student’s academics are incredibly important to their futures, but it isn’t the only aspect of a young adult’s life that is affected. Social skills are just as important as a good education because it ensures an efficient way of properly communicating with peers while allowing relationships to form. Winter blues can cause students to isolate themselves from others, and while alone time is important, too much alone time can have long term effects on one’s ability to communicate with others.

“Well, I feel like I’m always somewhat motivated for school, but socially I just don’t have the motivation to talk to people who I am not close with,” Adriana Cruz ‘27 said. 

These perspectives illustrate the significance of how much this issue matters in EHS and why both teachers and students should be searching for ways to help. While finding ways to help may seem difficult, there are inexpensive, safe, and easy ways to help students reach their potential throughout all seasons. Some ways to help include simply talking to someone. Getting your thoughts off your chest can be a healthy release and free up tension in your mind. Take a break, give your body and mind the rest it deserves. According to kidshealth.org, other solutions include listening to music, which is scientifically proven to improve mood and reduce anxiety. 

Guidance Counselor Ms. Cindy Muglia notes, “Sleep and starting and maintaining a consistent daily cycle are the first step to solving mental conflicts.” 

Muglia also has SEL student groups that explore time management, stress, anxiety, and more, all topics that would be beneficial to students struggling with SAD.

All of these solutions have one thing in common: rest. Students and people in general do not give themselves enough credit for working relentlessly everyday for hours. This mindset also relates to self-reflection and awareness. Understanding your body and mind makes negative feelings easier to control and manage.

Ultimately, SAD is a topic that should be talked about before a diagnosis. It is important to shine light on a dark topic that impacts student’s lives everyday, as well as explore the causes and solutions to this issue. The season of sadness can be less sad and lonely with the help of our peers, teachers, and loved ones.