I was diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder in law school, and January was always so especially bleak. And so, dear 1L, I thought of you as I woke today.

A still-dark scene on my window bay.
Forever it took for the sun to rise,
And away it will go, long before 5.

So while, on grades, you’ve a one-track eye,
Please do this ONE thing for me today,
and here is the why:

❤️‍🩹 40% of you will graduate with mental health problems.

That’s the prediction.
That is a LOT, and it’s sobering.

So PLEASE take preventative measures.

You are going to be cooped up somewhere for incredibly long spans of time over these next taxing weeks.

—Do not do it in darkness.
—And do not deprive yourself of daily cheer.

Do you have enough light in your work area?
What about color to balance the outdoor gloom?

And are you getting out during daylight?
Please do not spend all day alone in your room!

I worry about you—

💌 Amanda

#Dear1L

And as for me, I battle with seasonal blues.
Here is my workplace, set in colorful hues.

What might YOU choose to brighten the mood in your own study space?

— ☀️🌈 —