School Views: Weathering springtime in the mountains
As I sit and write this week’s column, I stare out the window and see blue skies and sunshine. Every day this week I’ve left my jacket hanging from its hook at home, and I’ve driven home from the office with the windows down. Warm weather finally arrived and I am thoroughly enjoying it.
I also know that looking at the forecast, by the time this column prints readers will see something completely different out their windows. Another snowstorm is predicted to hit our valley. And so it goes, springtime in the mountains.
This is one reason why seasonal affective disorder is a very real thing and can especially affect those of us who decide to call the mountains (and their turbulent weather) home. SAD is a type of depression associated with the changing of the seasons. Many times it hits in the fall and winter months as days begin to grow shorter and colder, and it begins to lift in the spring on into the summer. However, being teased with sunshine and warm weather only to be digging out the driveway a few days later can definitely do a number on one’s mood.
I want to remind you that you are not alone. As much as I love skiing fresh powder, I also love rafting a river at peak runoff. I find myself longing for those long, sunny days paired with star-filled nights, and I know they’re getting closer. However, having lived here as long as I have, I know the reality of the situation is that I’ll most likely be shoveling snow a few more times before rigging the boat for its next voyage. I can find myself a bit down just as much as the next person as the seasons change.
One thing that continually reassures me, though, is all the amazing mental health resources available throughout our community. Organizations that specialize in dealing with depression, anxiety and mental wellness. Organizations like Your Hope Center, Vail Health, Eagle Valley Behavioral Health, Colorado Mountain Medical, and SpeakUp ReachOut are just a handful of groups in our community that have trained professionals who understand what it’s like living in a place like Eagle County.
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We’re also fortunate to have organizations that specialize in supporting our youth. Organizations like EFEC, Mountain Youth and YouthPower365 go a long way in educating young minds and normalizing the topic of mental wellness.
Students in our district also have the good fortune to have dedicated school counselors who can address hard topics and work with students when they need support. We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to provide this help with the assistance of our community partners.
Eagle County School District is also working to bring an exciting opportunity to our valley: community screenings of “Paradise Paradox.” Last year, world-renowned ski racer Bode Miller produced this film to delve into what local communities and nonprofits are doing to combat the paradox between living in paradise and dealing with various mental health challenges that disproportionately affect mountain communities. Eagle County is one of the stars of the film.
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Our Student Support Services Team is working on setting up two screenings of the documentary in May, and we’ll be sharing those details after they’re finalized. In the meantime, I’d encourage you to watch the film if the opportunity presents itself and learn more about what resources are available for you and your family. Our valley stands taller when it stands together, so educate yourself on the many resources and offerings available and let’s fight back against the paradox that has existed for so many years.
UPDATE: I’m putting the finishing touches on this column on a Monday morning that saw enough snowfall to delay the start of school for two hours. Indeed, winter is back with us. But please remember that it’s OK to not be OK.
We can work through anything with a spirit of community and togetherness. I believe that this time of year is one of the best to send out that reminder. I know that I’ll hang up the shovel soon and be enjoying the sunshine on the river in no time. But until then, I’ll persevere and I know you can too. Warm days are just around the corner, and help is available in our supportive mountain community.
Philip Qualman is the superintendent of Eagle County School District. Email him at philip.qualman@eagleschools.net.
