What comes to your mind when you think of winter? Snow, Christmas, eggnog, and fireplaces are some images that permeate people’s thoughts during winter time. Seasons hold many associations, but not all impressions are good.

Gray skies and rainy days are aspects of what makes the Pacific Northwest what it is. During the winter, days and weeks can go by with little to no sun. Winter is a season enjoyed by many, but countless people have to deal with somber moods or mental illnesses, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or depression.

Now is not the time to tout specific remedies as a silver bullet for the winter blues, nor to shame people for their choice in how they cope with this hard time. Medication may work really well for one person, but not for another, and the same with exercise, meditation, etc. Whether or not you deal with or have dealt with the blues, you cannot fully understand another individual’s experience with it.

Get to understand how you may be affected by seasonal changes. You may find that the seasons have little to no effect on your mind and body. Remember that it’s possible to slowly slip into a certain state – just as the seasons will come and go at a leisurely place, so may your moods, especially if they are affected by the seasons. If you realize that the dark winter days contribute to your sad state of being, look into solutions such as vitamin D supplements or light therapy.

Ask yourself, “How does this affect me in my everyday life?” Symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses include insomnia, fatigue, and feelings of hopelessness, which can draw away from enjoying life experiences. Even worse, thoughts of, or taking action on, suicide may take place. No matter if your symptoms are mild or highly severe, keep track of what you are going through and how often it occurs.

Even if you are going through or have gone through bad episodes, it doesn’t mean that you know what other people are going through. Think about how you want those around you to treat you during a delicate time, and take the time to learn how you can best help them. Don’t be afraid to seek out help for yourself or others. You may not know it, but people care about you. I am no healthcare professional, but I have gone through (and still struggle with) my own hell. Since then, I have tried to provide help when it’s called for, and not intrusively.

Seek out counseling services if you need guidance or someone to talk to. If you have suspicions that you have a mental illness or believe you need medication, find a psychiatrist. If you are thinking of ending your life, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Whether you deal with mental illness year-long or only during the winter, know that you are not alone in this. Together, we can make it more bearable.