Though it still feels like summer is here, August, September, and October have passed and with that comes the drastic shift from the relaxing days sleeping in during break and enjoying the warm weather, to packing up for school every day at 8AM, freezing the whole way there.

Many students struggle with this shift, and there’s actually a clinical explanation for this–called Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is “a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons.” (Mayo Clinic, 2021) Commonly occurring during the transition to fall or winter, SAD is linked to the reduced amount of natural light during these chillier months. It affects people from all ages, and in our particular case, high school students.

 Not only does start of school carry its own set of challenges–new schedules, dreadful workload, extracurricular commitments, and pressure to perform well academically and socially–, the change from the sunny, bright outdoor summer weather to the chilly, primarily-indoors autumn environment can understandably cause students to feel disgruntled and fatigued. 

Support from school and family, as well as good self-awareness is crucial to managing SAD. When you feel yourself exhausted or excruciatingly burnt out by a week of endless tests, projects and homework, remind yourself that it’s okay. You’re still adjusting.

Communication is key–chances are, people around you are feeling the same wave of fatigue as well. Being able to put a label on this feeling, and validating it as not just a “you problem”, but an actual, diagnosable condition, can go miles in alleviating your mental burdens.

The counselors at Lion Center and our brand new Wellness Center (located in room 105) are always available to provide both academic and emotional support.