During winter the temperatures are freezing, the snow is cold, the days are darker and shorter, and the trees are sharp and bare. The wind breaks through just about any jacket you have and your shoes get covered in slush and salt. What is the fun in any of that?
Some say that winter is only good for Christmas and, while this is very much a opinion, many would agree. Christmas is a really great part of winter; it gives you something to look forward to as the colder seasons are coming.
If you are a high schooler, you also have midterms in the winter. I asked many people and they have all said that after winter break, this is the hardest stretch of school until summer vacation.
Waking up in the morning and getting out from under your blankets is so hard in the winter, and walking outside to the car or to go into school is way worse because of how early we are getting to school and how cold it is in the morning.
It is very hard for me to function when I am cold and that’s what winter is all about. Now this is actually called (SAD) or Seasonal Affective Disorder, and it’s a disorder that affects you during late fall into early spring. The symptoms include feeling sad/down, losing enjoyment for activities, low energy, too much sleeping, overeating, concentration problems, etc.
People who are bipolar have a high chance of getting SAD because in some people with bipolar disorder, it is linked to different seasons. Don’t be scared to go to a doctor if you are feeling down all the time and not enjoying things you used to.
If you don’t get to the doctor you could experience social withdrawals, school or work problems, substance abuse, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts or behavior. You can avoid these by getting treatments early.
Treatments include light therapy, psychotherapy, and medications. Saying on a steady schedule will help lower the chances of your (SAD) being or getting bad. Don’t just brush this off as “winter blues”; if you are not motivated or having a hard time getting out of bed in these season, don’t ignore it!
These symptoms can start off being mild and light but without treatment become much worse. Prioritize yourself and don’t let these symptoms get bad!
