The air grows colder, the days become shorter and more importantly, the ocean’s temperature decreases. The coming of winter means a complete change of attitude for the Outer Banks. And for people like me, this is an attitude of sadness.

The end of summer signals many negative things on the Outer Banks. School starts, making the beach not an everyday option anymore. No more socializing with your friends at the beach or going swimming in the ocean takes place. It is all back to business. After the first couple of weeks, school controls your life and summer seems just a distant memory.

Some people think fall is the best season. The cooler temperatures and “sweater weather” make for all-around cosy atmosphere in their mind. In most places, people appreciate the beauty of the fall leaves. But on the Outer Banks, one does not see many changing leaves.

Even though the cooler temperatures make football games more comfortable, the beach is not the same. The cold water forces surfers to put on wetsuits and the colder air temperatures make it impossible to lay in the sand.

As fall comes to a close and the days get darker, winter waits right around the corner. That’s when depression sets in.

It is January. The majority of businesses are closed. The only people on the Outer Banks are locals. The temperature averages about 40 degrees but there is never snow. What is there for kids to do during winter? Absolutely nothing.

In the winter, I am generally depressed. I just go to school and watch movies on the weekend. It is too cold to even go outside. Some weeks the sun does not come out either.

Winter gives the Outer Banks a dark, depressing atmosphere. After the Christmas season, there is nothing to look forward to at all. January and February are the worst months here.

I never knew that feeling sad in the winter could be a disorder.

Ever since I can remember, winter has brought sadness. My father has always hated winter, too, so maybe this is why I do. Seasonal Affective Disorder  (SAD) affects many Americans and needs to be addressed more seriously. Cold or cloudy weather can really change someone’s mood and overall well-being. On the other hand, sunny, warm weather makes most people genuinely happy.

My favorite time of year is probably early May. At this time, I have made it through another long winter on the Outer Banks. I can start to go to the beach again, getting my daily dose of vitamin D. The warmer the weather gets, the happier I am. As the school year ends and summer begins, I am at my ultimate peak of happiness.

Although some people enjoy winter, many people are depressed by the change in weather. SAD can cause all the same problems that come with normal depression. And when one lives in a beach town, they often feel SAD.

Send comments to baileyma0905@daretolearn.org