Despite the increasing advocacy around mental health and the stigmatization of it, there are still some mental illnesses that are rarely discussed, especially for San Luis Obispo High School students.

One of these is seasonal depression, or the mood disorder in which people experience depression more severely during the cold, dark winter months due to lack of light. If people want to continue to speak out for mental health awareness, more illnesses must be talked about, seasonal depression included.

  As mentioned prior, seasonal depression often occurs later in the year. 

  “My understanding of seasonal depression is that it happens especially during autumn and winter months because they are considered the “gloomy” parts,” said senior Jayda Monreal, who advocates for mental health de-stigmatization. 

  Just like “average” depression, it’s a severe issue that should be taken seriously due to its impact on people’s mental stability. Because of this, treating it like a serious problem would allow people to feel less belittled because of their struggle with seasonal depression. 

  “All forms and severities of depression should be taken seriously. When people belittle that, it makes things worse. So many people are gaslighted with things like mental health, which is really unfair,” said Monreal. 

  Taking seasonal depression seriously is also just a small part of the entire mental health conversation.   Though mental illnesses are being talked about more lately, there is still a way to go in order to de-stigmatize mental illness and therefore make people more comfortable with getting help. 

  “Mental health should definitely be talked about more. So many people are experiencing things like this and it’s made to be so taboo to talk about it when really it should be talked about more openly,” said Monreal. 

  As autumn continues, check in on friends and family. Cloudy, dreary days can make things seem grim. Lending a helping hand to others may at least be able to provide some comfort to them. Open up the conversation on mental health, and be kind, and understanding.