Over a month ago during the night of November 5th, the US experienced daylight savings time. In the US, millions set their clocks back an hour and got extra sleep. However, the extra hour of sleep did sacrifice an hour of sunlight.
The sun now goes down at 4 pm, leaving us with less than 10 hours of daylight. The term for feeling depressed during daylight savings time is seasonal affective disorder, globally known as seasonal depression.
Seasonal depression feels lonely, but you are not alone in your feelings. Around 10 million Americans experience seasonal depression yearly. In addition to that, around 21 million Americans experience depression in general.
EMT Instructor Patrick Moran knows the importance of mental health, especially during the winter. “Seasonal affective disorder can be worrisome, especially since it can exacerbate somebody who already has an existing depression,” Moran said “If you see it’s a bright day out, go out on a walk. It can seriously benefit you.”
If you or someone you know is severely struggling with seasonal depression, there are resources. 988 is the national toll free hotline for crisis and suicide prevention. There is also the 988lifeline.org website, which provides a chat device to a crisis worker.