By Kyle Arechiga 

When daylight savings ends and the temperature begins to drop, so do many people’s spirits. For students at Granada Hills Charter (GHC), this seasonal depression is even more compounded. During the end of the semester, late assignments, projects, and final exams all begin to stack upon one another. Despite these challenges, GHC students often show resilience and empathy. They understand that everyone is navigating the same storm of stress and try not to let the negativity spread. 

Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can manifest in lots of ways such as difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep, and just a general sense of tiredness. For many students, the shorter days and colder weather also lead to feelings of isolation, especially when added to the stress of school work. This can create a perfect storm of emotions, making it harder to stay motivated.

“When winter starts, I start to feel a little down like other people,” senior Nickolas Bermudez said. “I also have a bunch of work piling up during this time as well, but I understand other people do as well.” 

This shared struggle can often lead to a sense of solidarity among students. During finals week, for example, it’s not uncommon to see classmates exchanging study tips, forming study groups, or simply encouraging each other. These small supports remind students that we are not alone.

Recognizing that hard times are temporary  is the key to overcoming them. It is important to remember to move forward despite setbacks and challenges. Maintaining a positive attitude can remind others as well as yourself that negative emotions, while valid, don’t last forever. 

Students should rely on coping strategies to deal with their stress. For some, that’s breaking up big projects into smaller tasks. For others, physical activity provides a sense of relief, whether that’s taking a walk or playing a sport. Reaching out to friends, family, or even teachers can also provide emotional support.

Life, like hiccups, is full of unexpected challenges. These moments often arise suddenly and without warning, reminding us that life is unpredictable and sometimes beyond our control. 

“We have so many days to live, why are we just going to worry about the few bad ones?” senior Joseph Rodriguez said. “If something bothers you, it’s okay to talk about it, but it is not okay to take it out on other people.”

Negativity can also impact those around you. When someone is already having a rough day, encountering rudeness or disrespect only adds to their burden. Sometimes negativity is not overt, but can be shown through your tone or non-verbal cues. 

“I would just be having a normal day and someone would just be all rude to me even though I just asked them to pass me my pencil which fell next to them,” senior Fletcher Prince said. “With all the stress of the end of the semester, that one simple thing is enough to make the whole day feel ruined.”

Maintaining a positive attitude not only helps your own mental health, but also creates a ripple effect for others. Positivity can boost your mood, reduce stress, and foster a supportive environment. This can profoundly impact not only yourself but others ‘ well-being.

Ultimately, choosing positivity during tough times doesn’t mean ignoring your struggles. It means navigating them with grace and consideration for those around you. By uplifting others, you may find that you’re uplifting yourself too.