Seasons are changing, and along with that so are our moods. Many students find it impossible to reach out for help or even to accept it as well, but, if you need help, you are not alone. Seasonal depression is real, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

During the changing seasons we all feel a little weird, since our bodies don’t like uncertainty. We’re creatures of habit, and when change happens there is going to be an adjustment period. However, for some of us, that adjustment period is extremely intense and is much more difficult than it should be.

Sometimes, pre-existing depression that has been suppressed for a long time, or is even still active in your daily life, can come out to play during the transition period of the warm weather to cooler temperatures. The instability and change can cause confusion, self-deprecation and self-loathing. It’s important to remember that the way you’re feeling is not, and never has been, your fault.

Trauma works in interesting ways, and does everything it can to control your life. If you let it take over your body and brain, you give the trauma more power than it already has—that’s why the switch between summer and fall is so delicate. There’s so much change happening that the pain and numbness can overtake your daily routine, until you become a zombie.

Something I’ve learned over the years is that it’s important to get to the point where you can rely on yourself for happiness. Sometimes, it takes counseling, and that is completely okay. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you need help, no matter what any of your friends or family say. Even if you’re in denial, and think you can get yourself out of it, I suggest you talk to a professional. Trying it just once can make you realize that talking out the pain could help relieve you of it.

Here’s a secret: no one knows what they’re doing in life, and many people also feel alone. This isn’t to say that your problems are lesser than everyone else’s, but that other people understand what you’re going through and you are not alone.

If you’re stressed, upset or just feeling down, you can take a visit to our wellness counselor Ms. Kat Lammering. She’s here to listen to us with no judgement and no bias, and you can share whatever you’re comfortable with. You can even just sit and chat, if you need a breather from life.

I know how hard it is to accept help from others when you feel like you don’t deserve it, but it’s important to remember that you DO deserve help. You deserve to eat, you deserve to feel true happiness, you deserve to live. Always remember, it’s okay to not be okay. You will get through this!