Seasonal affective disorder, also known as winter depression, is a mystery within the scientific community. However, one thing is for certain and it’s that individuals who suffer from it are especially susceptible to light or the lack thereof.
“SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, affects approximately 10 million Americans. It is 4 times more common in women than in men and 10 to 20% may have a mild version of it,” says Dr. Madeline Hernandez.
Considering the current situation that everyone is in, being quarantined, many wonder whether it will get worse or not.
“I believe that SAD will be worse this year due to the social isolation we have all endured,” Dr. Hernandez stated. “The fact that we have to maintain social distancing will limit our interactions with family and friends,” she continued.
This year has been challenging for everyone around the world.
Starting in December 2019, Australia was set ablaze, burning acres of land and killing both people and animals. The fires raged on for longer than originally anticipated and carried into 2020.
COVID-19 later made an abrupt emergence. The deadly virus spread across the globe similar to the wildfires and is still affecting everyone to this day. The uncertainty of having a vaccine lingers.
Several important figures died tragic deaths this year, including Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest basketball players of his time, pop icon Naya Rivera, and Ruth Bader Ginsgburg, a prominent figure in women’s rights and politics.
President Donald Trump was impeached in February of this year for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Not only that but the elections were quite the spectacle this year, with Donald Trump claiming that the results were fraudulent.
After the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, Black Lives Matter protests began in an effort to spark change in the world. Even after all the protests, racial injustice continues to brew in America.
The wildfires had made a comeback and erupted all along the west coast since mid-August, burning acres of land and displacing people.
Amy Coney Barret and the controversy surrounding human rights was another issue on the forefront this year.
There are plenty of events that people will reflect on, whether it is during the upcoming break or well into 2021. Nonetheless, these events will go down in history, and the mere existence of 2020 will make anyone upset. But it is imperative to remember the resilience that people have, even during the roughest times of SAD.
Many people have this expectation for the new year that all the issues we faced this year will be gone, that this year was just “bad luck.” However, others are less optimistic. They say that the problems we faced will not magically disappear; they will persist.
All everyone can do is try to make the most out of the situation and stay as busy as they can.
“Keep group sizes small and plan activities at home to keep yourself busy and United with your loved ones. Use video platforms to stay connected with family and friends if you choose not to gather,” continued Dr. Hernandez. “Take this opportunity to be thankful for the things you do have instead of focusing on what you couldn’t do this past year!”
