The month of December, with its respective holidays, has departed and given way to 2016 and January. Of course, sadness follows; January is one of the least liked months with its post-Christmas blues. Nobody wants to start the new year feeling down, so how do Brebeuf students deal with all of this gloom and grey skies while also getting back into the swing of school?

The Arrow looked for the best treatment for the winter blues by turning to the most festive person we could find: Susan Fisher. Brebeuf students walking down the senior hallway during the month of December could see Susan’s locker adorned with colorful Christmas lights and wrapping paper. Susan also carried around a small artificial Christmas tree while reindeer antlers adorned her head like a star on a Christmas tree. What is her take on this, you may ask?

In a recent interview with Susan, she said of her mood since Christmas, “Instead of feeling red and green, I’ve been feeling blue.” She was also sad over not being able to carry around her Christmas tree, Loquitis. While discussing how to combat her winter blues, Susan remarked, “I’ve been listening to my Pandora Christmas playlist to help remind me of the happy days.” Her advice to others on fighting the blues was to “not take down your Christmas lights until June.”

However, some people have their own specific needs regarding sadness in winter. Sometimes the winter blues are more than simply a grumpy, post-Christmas mood. Some people suffer from what is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, otherwise known as SAD.

Mayo Medical Clinic defines SAD as “A type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons – SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.” As treatment options, the Mayo Clinic lists getting enough sunlight, or, in extreme cases, doctor-prescribed medication. It’s important to be vigilant in the difference between a simple case of the winter blues and SAD. Those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder should seek help.

However, for those facing a case of the winter blues, a second source of advice is student advocate Libby Pollak. When asked about the blues, she stated that, “It’s best to remember that the New Year is when you can have a clean slate on everything, like your grades.” She also stated that, “While January is full of cloudy skies, you can also start working on goals you want to achieve with the New Year that can carry over after January. Being cooped up inside doesn’t mean you can’t be active and motivated.”

In light of Mrs. Pollak’s advice, the blues don’t have to stop anyone from having a good day. While sidewalks may be lined with slush, the month of January still offers hope for those who seek it; both Susan’s and Mrs. Pollak’s advice offer hope for a better winter outlook. The winter blues, while they affect many students at Brebeuf, don’t last forever. Seasons change, and before long it’ll be 75 degrees outside and Brebeuf students will be wearing cargo shorts.