I apologize to anybody who ever has, is currently or will experience seasonal depression in their lifetime. It is not easy, but I hope that whoever this applies to knows the strength they possess for persevering and continuing to beat depression, anxiety or any other mental challenge they have endured. 

As we move from winter to spring, it is important to explain the effects of seasonal mental illness and mental health in general. Winter is a prevalent time for people to experience feelings of sadness, angst, anger, lack of motivation and fatigue. When the weather becomes colder, holidays become less exciting, leaves begin to die and activities become sparse, regulating emotions grows difficult. Navigating through life will always be strenuous; however, that does not mean it is impossible. 

The light at the end of the tunnel can be seen in the beginning stages of spring. Spring is an inspiring season for people to recognize their worth, see the sunshine and remain hopeful. As flowers begin to bloom and the sky becomes blue, a symbolism of our purpose is shown. Regardless of the intellect behind it, we are similar to the environment, weather and forms of life that accompany us.

Most people think:

When the sky is sad, we’re sad. When it’s raining, so are we. When the grass becomes gray, so do we. 

But life is about perspective: 

When the sky is blue, we are utterly happy. Wait for the blue sky, as it will come again. When it is sunny, pay attention to the sun. The rays of the sun symbolize you: a ray of light. When the grass becomes vibrant, it is a reminder of your eternal spirit. 

I understand the pain of mental illness — especially seasonal. I find it very difficult to appropriately gather myself consistently, and it is even harder to do so as we grow older. So many changes occur, which makes the final stage of accepting feel unimaginable. Our lives are a series of grieving processes and with that comes continuous learning. By the experiences we have and the hurt that we may feel in any way, we will always overcome obstacles and become aware of the people that we truly are. 

Healing, growing and awakening the psyche is the most incomparable accomplishment that the human species can earn. You are not alone, and you should never be. There is always a space for you on Earth and with me. Mental health is complicated. I am sure we can all agree on that 

statement. You never know what somebody is dealing with, and you never know what you may encounter within your life. Never be insensitive about the situation. 

During an academic year, career, relationship or an average day, stress is guaranteed. We have to be vigilant about allowing ourselves to feel our feelings as deeply as possible. By doing this, we can separate our minds from reality. Our minds are the most powerful entities that exist, and when triggered, they can make us feel unworthy. When we feel as though we do not deserve something, we often allow our minds to win. This can be reversed. 

Everybody has a conscience and subconscious system. The conscience is what we hear or see when a situation arises, and our subconscious tells the conscience things that the rest of our brain cannot necessarily understand. For example, if you had a bad experience at a movie theater, your subconscious would keep that information and store it away. After this, the subconscious would be triggered anytime similarities of a movie theater were mentioned. Sometimes the similarities are things we would never expect. Though our conscience would not recognize this at first, it is important to remember that this is from where most of our mental turmoil can stem. Fears and sadness are developed by the suppression of other emotions. The next time you feel yourself slipping away from reality or senses of recovery, remember that you have the power to beat what you are feeling. 

Although emotions can be tough, immobilizing and despairing, we are privileged to be able to feel so deeply. It is not a coincidence that humans have souls. We can communicate, love, desire and learn, which is a gift.

In the book “The Fault in our Stars,” author John Green says, “That’s the thing about pain. It demands to be felt.” I have truly lived by this quote since the novel came out in 2012. Without pain, we cannot learn. Without sadness, we would take happiness for granted. Without heartbreak, we would not know what we longed for. Without defeat, we would not know determination. All these feelings are here to strengthen us and create the best versions of ourselves.

If you ever feel that things are heavy, contact a mental health service. Therapy can, and will, help. Reach out to your loved ones. Do things that you genuinely love. Indulge in self-discipline. You deserve the happiest life possible. 

Be kind to yourself. This is your first time living, too. 

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