Winter is coming. Get ready for darkness in the morning when you leave for classes and then again when you head home.

I don’t know about everyone else, but winter makes me want to jump on an airplane and get out of here. The cold and lack of sunshine sucks the energy out of me and takes away all my motivation.

Part of this may be because there is next to nothing to do in Lethbridge when the weather turns. There are four skateparks in the city and not one of them has a roof over it. The roads are covered in ice and snow (days after it falls) and the wind throws snow in your face when you try to go outside. Just making my way to school sometimes can feel like an undertaking for the whole day.

It’s not entirely the city’s fault – it is likely a minor case of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is a type of depression that affects individuals at the same time every year. Winter is the most common time for people to experience it. Symptoms are very similar to any other depression, including: chronic fatigue, trouble sleeping and lack of interest in things you normally enjoy.

A person experiencing SAD can show signs of irritability – it is sort of like having a bad day, every day. If you notice a friend’s mood changing with the weather, don’t disregard them as just being grumpy. There may be things going on behind the scenes.

By behind the scenes, I don’t mean in the person’s life per say, but in their head. Though the causes of SAD are not fully understood, it is a legitimate issue that should be taken seriously. Some causes are thought to be changes in serotonin and melatonin levels. Change of season can affect these chemicals, which play a key role in sleep and mood patterns.

If you find yourself feeling down this winter, don’t brush off the possibility it could be a form of depression. One way to fight off SAD is to keep to your schedule, even if it may seem hard to do. Getting out of the house is perhaps the best way to flip SAD the middle finger. Even if motivation is lacking, keep doing the things you love and stay close to the ones you love. Winter doesn’t last forever.