Stress and sorrow fill my mind six days a week, but on that one other day, it’s filled with joy and laughter. 

     With seasonal depression upon us, it has indeed found its way to shoot my emotions. I found myself in a bit of an all time low, I didn’t feel like myself, and I wanted to be anyone else but me. I came really close to dyeing and cutting my hair- that’s how you know it was awful. It came to the point where I would walk into class and my friend would ask, “So are you in a good mood or are you sad again?” 

     I found myself not depressed but in a bad state of mind that really affected my mental health. However, volunteering at my church every Sunday made up for it.

     I volunteer at two services, at one I greet middle schoolers and help them check in. I do this with ten other high school students. Hanging out with them truly did a 360 with my emotions. I laugh to the point where my stomach hurts; I see and banter with people who I love that I only get to see once a week which makes my heart happy. 

     After I’m  finished with the first service, I head over to the elementary school section of my church where I lead a group of third graders. Hanging out with these kids is so much fun, even though they are running and screaming most of the time. Being a small group leader for those kids makes my heart full because I know they see me as an adult figure, so I have to be in  my very best mindset to be my best self when I’m around them. 

     Volunteering once a week has helped improve my mental health by counteracting my stress that I carry throughout the week.Being in a joyful environment helps me forget about all the obstacles I have to undergo throughout the week by focusing on having fun and being a bright face.  I have built a support system by volunteering each Sunday and feel more like myself when I’m in a joyful environment.