Mental issues that affect teenagers can happen at any moment in the year. But there are certain situations during the holidays that can affect the way a young mind deals with the added stress. According to Dr. D’Arcy Lyness, the behavioral health editor of “KidsHealth”, another prime factor of adolescent sadness during the winter months is an aptly named condition known as seasonal affective disorder. This form of depression occurs at the same time each year and is accompanied by feelings of fatigue. Many experts suggest that SAD is caused by the brain’s response to decreased daylight exposure. Sadly, this is not the only reason teens get depressed or stressed around these times.

Studies show eight out of ten Americans experience stress during the holidays. Teen depression during this season might affect grades. Educator Kevin Mixon agrees adding there is a change in attitude that impacts their time at school.  He says, “Kids attendance goes down so their grades go down. They think they can skip because break is coming.” But he also agreed kids get more depressed around this time of year. Mixon says “ I also believe that kids get more depressed during these times because a lot of students don’t have a family or money during this time.” Roughly 1 in 5 families in America go hungry during winter break. Many students look forward to winter break to get out of school. Many kids also look forward to this time for gifts or family time. But the sad truth is  many kids depend on school for food, shelter, and social interactions.

Noelle Zenti, a counselor at Rex Putnam High School says, “I really don’t see students grades lowering because it’s almost winter break and students start freaking out about grades. I do see a change in social behavior and attendance.” I also asked her if students come to her more this time of year. She says “I definitely have more students   coming to me during the winter time. It’s either about breakdowns or resources for food, or clothes.I think students are more depressed this year because people talk about their families and gifts and some students don’t have that. Grades are also very stressful during this year.” There are district resources, according to Zenti, that can be found. “We have food boxes and coats that students can sign up for.”

Remember during the holiday/winter season it’s not so merry for everyone. Be respectful to the people around you that don’t receive gifts or share a meal during the holidays.  If you are going cold or hungry please talk to a school counselor or visit a local community center.