Gloomy weather can have a serious effect on how our minds and bodies feel. Feeling a heavy weight on your spirit as the seasons shift is more common than you think. If you find yourself struggling with low energy, changes in sleep, or a persistent low mood during the shorter days, please know you aren't alone, and your feelings are completely valid. These feelings are symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and it is a form of depression triggered by the change in seasons, likely due to a drop in sunlight disrupting your internal clock and serotonin levels. SAD tends to affect women and younger adults more frequently. According to John Hopkins Medicine, about 2-3% of people experience SAD in Canada in their lifetime, while another 15% manage milder "winter blues" in the U.S.; it affects roughly 5% of the adult population.

We started the Senior School Mental Health Club this year as two grade 12 students who are super passionate about mental health at large and about helping the student body. Mental illness is something which the majority of our school will likely deal with in some way. The goal of the Mental Health Club is to create a space for students to bring up their own concerns or share their own feelings in an attempt to help make suggestions for the entire student body. Students have helped to bring awareness and create initiatives. SAD is a growing concern in our society today and so for the months of January and February the Mental Health Club decided to bring awareness to it and get rid of the stigma around it. We had hot chocolate at lunch and handed out words of encouragement and motivation. We have also presented at assemblies and are now bringing light to the greater school community. 

Right now we want you to remember to be gentle with yourself as you navigate these months, and consider incorporating small, supportive habits into your routine; such as a warm cup of hot chocolate on a rainy day! Research from Crownview Psychiatric Institute suggests that sitting in front of a specialized, bright light box for 20-30 minutes each morning can make a significant difference. You might also find some relief by optimizing your indoor environment with better lighting, prioritizing time outdoors during daylight hours, and staying committed to a regular, active schedule. Most importantly, there is no shame in seeking professional help through therapy or in more serious cases with a doctor if the weight feels too heavy to carry on your own.

Contributed by Trinity King and Aleksa Dolecki, Grade 12 Students and Mental Health Club Student Leaders