Seasonal depression also known as SAD is known for sneaking up on us during the winter time.  Less sunlight and shorter days are linked to a chemical change in the brain. 

SAD can affect anyone during November to March which is when people are more likely to experience it. 

Ava Hines, a junior,  has experienced seasonal depression herself. 

“In the depths of winter, it's harder to find the motivation to come to school and get through the day,” she said. 

SAD symptoms have you feeling sluggish, tired, low energy, and not enjoying things that once interested you, such as sports and hobbies.

Different things help with different people, some things that could help are journaling, staying active, talking to someone you trust, eating a healthy diet, and getting vitamin D. 

“I do hockey during the winter so it's easy to keep myself active and I feel that if you were to journal that could help too,” said Hines

Lisa Tartufo is an adjustment counselor here at Norwood High School. She provides counseling services for students with 504 plans and IEP's.

“I provide counseling around the symptoms that kids have with depression. So some of the kids that I see have depression all year, not just when it's darker, but sometimes regular depression gets worse when it's the winter,” she said.

Tartufo says “suggested treatment for seasonal depression disorder is phototherapy, which is the lamps, or increased doses of vitamin D or antidepressants”. 

Other suggested treatment plans are light therapy and psychotherapy.