Feeling SAD in Winter

"Feeling SAD in Winter" creates space for participants to directly support their own mental wellness during the winter season. Students are invited to read and reflect on an overview, list of symptoms, and treatment information about Seasonal Affective Disorder. Using that knowledge, they will watch two short films that illustrate different lived experiences with SAD. The first film uses poetry to describe one woman's experience of depression and anxiety, and how they impacts her overall mental health. Next, they'll watch an animation that aims to increase clarity around the mental illness experience. Following each film, students will have an opportunity to process what they've seen through structured prompts. The class will conclude with students working together to brainstorm ways we can support ourselves and others.

Note: This class includes supplementary materials that can be completed at the start of class or assigned as homework. If assigned as homework, the class duration may be approximately 15 minutes shorter.