Many people struggle silently with various forms of mental illness, whether it stems from forms of depression, anxiety, etc. to each of their own specificity.

I can relate to one who struggles with their own journey through mental illness, coming from a place of familiarity with such disorders myself, having been through some own suffering and pain, I know that every disorder is portrayed in several ways, everyone's story is intimate on their own, the tough endeavor to a healthy and happy lifestyle needing strength to push through can be admired. I have found that symptoms and treatments focus on contrasting aspects of each illness, fitting into one's comfort level. 

A strong support system and knowledge being key to this healthy outcome for your own life. Seasonal depression, which is also known as such as seasonal affective disorder, is a type of depression that only truly occurs at one particular time of the year when gloomy weather patterns take place. 

This particular disorder affects almost everyone in the world, the severity and diagnosis sometimes going unknown, everyone dealing with the changing of seasons and the changes in their demeanor in their own way. 

This is what makes it so unique from other forms of depression and other mental illnesses, however, symptoms can be similar, including fatigue, depression, hopelessness and social withdrawal. These symptoms can be found in articles such as the Mayo Clinic home page for all readers to view, for more information they may be seeking. suffering from this mental illness I can promise you it sounds scarier than it may seem. 

More health foundations such as the Cleveland Clinic, health professionals have found that about 5 percent of adults in the U.S. experience seasonal depression. It has been found to start in young adults. Seasonal affective disorder can be seen more in women than men, with no perfect reason behind this evidence. Roughly, 75 percent of people who get seasonal affective disorder are women, based on statistics found in research among real people who speak on their mental illness. 

About 10 percent to 20 percent of people in America may get a milder form of what they call “winter blues.” These are the facts we, as a population, can find as soon as your fingers meet that search bar on your laptop. What many people do not know, besides these easily found facts, are the simple everyday coping mechanisms that one might have time for, even in their everyday routine, to help them fight against their “winter blues”. 

Since this disorder is fairly common among most people, there are so many ways that have been found to treat this harrowing illness. Throughout research and discussion between health professionals working to find help for those struggling, some more tactical treatments include light therapy, which enhances the level of Vitamin D in one's body, creating the feeling that sunlight might do in brighter seasons. Medications can be used to boost serotonin levels as well as psychotherapy, the practice of talking it out and being aware of your own struggles comforting to some. 

The previous treatments stated might seem too much for some people, the toughest part of dealing with mental illness can sometimes be admitting that you are struggling. Which is why knowing that there are baby steps you can take to relieve the pain you might be going through. In my own experience I have found that the small things go a long way such as the following: 

Take a walk and get moving. Simple as that, get outside once the skies clear and the clouds are not hovering over you. Exercise and the sun can be a major key to greater health and happiness. Stick to a schedule. Set small goals for yourself every day, even crossing off tasks such as making a nice breakfast can give yourself a feeling of accomplishment throughout the day. 

Talk to a friend or loved one. Finding someone to confide in is a good way to ease your mind even when you do not suffer from such mental illness. Know you are not alone and get excited that Spring and Summer are right around the corner, and remember that when the winter blues arrive, you have these baby steps to rely on.