This story mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988. For more resources, click here.

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Stephanie Carlin likes to keep busy. Not only is she on the Oshkosh School Board, but she also teaches at the Oshkosh Seniors Center and works as a flight attendant.

“My son is the reason I became a flight attendant,” Carlin said. “He was going to school in Colorado, and I was like, ‘I have to be able to get to him whenever I want.’” 

Staying occupied helps Carlin cope with depression, especially during the winter. Seasonal changes are a trigger for her. 

What You Need To Know

  • Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is prevalent this time of year in Wisconsin

  • SAD is a type of depression that occurs from a lack of natural light and time outdoors

  • Health providers recommended those who struggle with SAD should focus on working in regular movement and getting creative when it comes to light exposure

“I can go down a rabbit hole of, ‘I didn’t do this, and I didn’t do that this summer,’” Carlin said. “Oh my gosh, and now it’s getting colder and darker, and I have to work hard to make sure my mental health doesn’t go down the drain.” 

So, this year, long before hours of daylight started dwindling and cold set in, she wrote down a plan.

“To ensure I’m not going to isolate, I signed up for a pickleball league,” Carlin said. “I’ve never played pickleball before. I will be playing pickleball every Thursday through February.”

She also scheduled weekly check-ins with her friends. 

“We’ve been checking in every Monday for five-and-a-half years now…” Carlin said. “Just to say hi. That keeps me connected to people because when I’m depressed, I isolate.” 

She also sought help from a mental health professional.

“Think of low mood, reduced interest in activities, weight loss or weight gain, fatigue,” Dr. Heather Jones, the vice president of clinical services for Rogers Behavioral Health, said.

According to Dr. Jones, seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is prevalent this time of year in Wisconsin. It is a type of depression that occurs from a lack of natural light and time outdoors.

She recommended working in regular movement and getting creative when it comes to light exposure.

“Light therapy, so using a happy light and exercising,”Jones said. “Sometimes this time of year can be harder to get out and exercise because it’s dark when you get up and dark when you get home. A healthy diet is key.”

Carlin knows just how crucial it is to acknowledge mental health challenges and seek out help. Her goal is to shed light on this dark issue and inspire others to address their depression year-round.

“My brother didn’t have access to a lot of mental health resources and ended up dying by suicide,” Carlin said. “I feel incredibly lucky that I had access to Rogers facilities.”

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