Unseen Struggles

Addressing Seasonal Depression

As the leaves turn and the days shorten, many of us face a change in the season but also a shift in our mental health. This period brings with it what is known as seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that arrives in the fall and winter months. The symptoms can be debilitating: persistent low mood, loss of interest in everyday activities, sleeping more than usual, feelings of despair, and even physical changes like weight gain due to increased carbohydrate cravings.

The motivation to address these hidden struggles was deeply personal for me, triggered by the tragic loss of my high school classmate, Andre Johnson, to suicide. Andre's story is a reminder of the critical need for mental health support, especially among men who are often taught to hide their vulnerabilities.

This led me to establish "The Check In," a men's mental health group facilitated by my company, Designed To Conquer , which is dedicated to promoting men’s mental health awareness.

In "The Check In," we tackle tough topics like seasonal depression head-on. We discuss practical strategies such as the benefits of light therapy, maintaining a regular routine to stabilize our internal clocks, and staying active to naturally boost our mood. We also emphasize the importance of nutrition and its impact on our mental health, encouraging discussions around how diet can influence our feelings of well-being.

This group is not just a forum for discussing mental health; it's a community where men can come together to share, learn, and support each other in a safe and non-judgmental environment. It’s about building a space where vulnerability is seen as a strength and where every man knows he’s not alone in his struggles.

To all the fathers, sons, brothers, and uncles out there, if you're feeling the weight of the season or just looking for a community where you can be open about your mental health, join us. Whether you're dealing with seasonal depression or just looking for a community where you can be open about your mental health, "The Check In" is here for you.

?? Donate here: https://givebutter.com/TheCheckin

Let’s not wait for another loss like Andre’s to remind us of the importance of mental health support. Let’s be proactive, reach out, and support each other. Together, we can overcome the unseen struggles and ensure no one has to face them alone.