It’s getting chilly outside again. 

You know what that means – pumpkin spice lattes, fuzzy socks, pumpkin patches and holiday activities.

But for many people, cold weather brings cold emotions.

“You really lose your sense of excitement and passion for things,” counselor Daniel Harrison said.

Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a somber reality for over 10 million Americans each year, according to the University of Texas.

“Usually, it is short-lived; it might just be that day. If it lasts more than 2-3 weeks, then that’s a sign that you may need some attention,” Harrison said.

Why do we start to feel more sad around this time of year? 

According to John Hopkins Medicine, less sunlight and shorter days are the No. 1 cause of this disorder.

January wins the title for the most depressing month of the year. This could be because there is less to look forward to. There isn’t much excitement anymore since the holidays are over.

“I’ve had seasonal depression, and it sucks. I’ve been diagnosed with general depression, but it gets so bad around the winter. Music really helps me,” sophomore Kara Britton said.

According to Penn Medicine Princeton Health, music is one of the best ways to deal with seasonal depression, or just sad emotions in general.

It can help teens form their identity, which could help with the hopelessness around the winter seasons.

“I usually listen to a nostalgic playlist, like stuff that I used to listen to when I was younger,” sophomore Cassidy Kelley said.

Women tend to have seasonal depression more than males do, but it is still common in everyone at this time of year. 

You could be experiencing SAD without even knowing it. The most common symptoms are being in an unhappy or unusual mood, loss of interest in hobbies, change in sleep habits, irritability, anxiety and loneliness.

Ways to prevent or help could be as simple as going on a walk or some other form of exercise. 

“Personally, I like to curl up in my heated blanket. It makes me happy.” junior Jaymee Hartpence said.

You could consider going to therapy or talking about it with people that you trust. Going outside, eating a balanced diet, and taking vitamins are all great ways to help lighten your mood at this time of year.

Hartpence has some advice on how to feel a little better around this time of the year.

“Go outside, draw, color, open the blinds. Get up or get active.”

There is even help for you at school.

The Panther Care team, located in the Panther Learning Center, is a program for mental and behavioral health at DHS. 

The program uses Comcare Services, a community behavioral health clinic that is a part of a Kansas initiative. 

Help is available there year-round.

Panther Care’s mission is to give the best care possible to students at Derby High School.

More information and flyers are available in the Panther Learning Center.

Counselors are also available for students to talk to.

While some may feel helpless when dealing with SAD, there are many ways to overcome it.

“You don’t get over it,” Harrison said. “You just work your way through it.”