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Depression’s effect on everyday life 

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*A pseudonym will be used to protect a students identity.

     Depression is a mood disorder where a person experiences symptoms of a depressed mood, sadness and loss of interest in daily activities to the point where it affects their normal function such as their appetite, energy levels, concentration levels and sleep. 

    Each person who suffers from depression suffers differently. Everyone experiences symptoms unique to them. Some may have cases of depression whereas some may have severe cases. 

    Sasha Orlando* shared her story and experience with depression.

    “I would say my experience with depression consists of a lot of ups and downs, sometimes my depression is more prominent than other issues I have in my life like my anxiety,” Orlando stated. 

    Depression can take over someone’s entire life. It can severely affect how someone treats others and how they perform in school. A person’s actions are greatly affected by how they feel. 

    “I would say the hardest part of having depression is not realizing that’s what’s currently going on even though I’ve been dealing with depression since I was seven when my dad passed away. It’s still really hard for me to identify when I am depressed,” Orlando explained. 

    Depression can cause moments of haze where someone is not completely aware of the things going on around them or it can cause a person to not care about the things happening around them.

    “It’s so different for other people so it’s really hard to put that into words. I feel like for me personally, prescription medications have never worked for me. I’ve tried so many for years increased and decreased the dosages for so many different things and that has never been something that has helped it always made things worse. It has made me feel like I have no emotions, and I’m a very emotional person, so that’s not normal for me no matter if I’m depressed or not,” Orlando said. 

     Depression can also bring a sense of comfort. For some people, it can be extremely hard to recover because they find comfort in their sadness. Depression can also be something that someone works so hard to get away from but can not. Depression is a very difficult illness to overcome to the point in which some do not overcome it and end up succumbing the their depression.

    “My recovery process might have looked different for other people, and I wouldn’t even say recovery because I still deal with depression every day of my life. It’s not something that goes away. It may get easier, but the thing that helps me the most is being with my mom or being outside.”

    As Orlando explained how her recovery process might look different than other people’s. Everyone’s recovery and depression experience is going to be unique to them. Everybody’s brain is wired differently.

    Orlando talked about how her depression has changed over time. As a person grows their depression and how it affects their daily life and the symptoms it causes changes, too. 

    “I feel like when I was depressed before maybe in the past year and previously I had a really hard time talking to people about it. I didn’t know how to talk about my feelings or why I was feeling this way. I feel like now when I’m depressed, I want to talk about it.  I want somebody to be there for me, but I mean it’s still really hard when you can’t recognize that’s what the issue is,” Orlando stated.

    Orlando’s experience may look similar or very different to others. Orlando’s story might be one some can relate to. Depression can become a very serious illness if not treated. Orlando talked about what did and did not work for her and how similar things may or may not work for someone else. It is all about finding what works just right for a specific person. 

    Recovery is not easy, but it is possible. “Recovery is long and it’s not easy to go through, but it can be done,” Orlando said.

Entertainment, Reviews

‘Wonka’ is a sweet prequel

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     “Wonka,” starring the charismatic Timothée Chalamet as the iconic chocolatier, takes audiences on a whimsical journey through the origins of Willy Wonka’s chocolate empire. Directed by Paul King, who has also been most popularly involved in the “Paddington” movie series, this film promises a fresh perspective on a beloved character which blends Chalamet’s acting prowess with the magical world of “Wonka.”

     This movie opens up with a song from their new soundtrack, produced by Neil Hannon who has written songs for the “Doctor Who” series as well as many other acclaimed singles. “Wonka” goes through his first day in a fictional town that resembles a cross between London, Prague, Paris and several other affluent European cities.

     Wonka’s narrative unfolds as a vibrant tapestry, chronicling his early years and the events that led to the creation of his extraordinary chocolate factory. The story was a delightful mix of heartwarming moments, comedic escapades and a touch of mystery, providing a nostalgic nod to the classic Willy Wonka tales.

     A visual feast presented by the film which was nothing short of extraordinary. The whimsy of Wonka’s chocolate wonderland is brought to life with stunning cinematography, capturing the vibrant colors and imaginative landscapes. The camera work seamlessly complements the fantastical elements, making it a treat for the eyes.

     This film showcases many popular actors including Timothée Chalamet as Wonka, Keegan-Michael Key as the Chief of Police, Rowan Atkinson as the Priest, Olivia Colman as Mrs.Scrubbit, Hugh Grant as the Oompa-Loompa and many more. With such diverse actors, their talents shine with each role more captivating than the next.

     Chalamet embodies the eccentric charm of Willy Wonka with finesse. His charismatic performance adds layers to the character, providing a depth that both newcomers and fans of the original will appreciate. He resembles a whole new, yet memorable, version of Willy Wonka yet t be seen.

     Many things follow-through between the new “Wonka” movie, and the previous ones with Johnny Depp and Gene Wilder. This new film also gives clarity to many important details of the previous movies as well. We learn the meaning of the golden tickets inside of the Wonka bars and their relevance to Wonka himself. 

     Mr. Slugworth makes his reappearance in the new movie, adding depth to his character. The movie shows the audience what the “Chocolate Cartel” had done to Wonka in his past to create such a tense relationship in the previous movies.

     Many iconic lines from the previous movies are made, including Gene Wilder’s, “Strike that, reverse it.” Another reappearance includes the iconic song “Pure Imagination,” first sung by Gene Wilder. They also tell the audience the origins of the Oompa-Loompas as well as their songs.

     There were many comical, heartwarming and depressing moments throughout the movie. My own personal opinion of the movie was an eight out of ten. I believe that many things are explained from the original movies; however, this story feels more of a spin-off than a prequel. The movie was well written, with a solid script in the beginning. My favorite part of the movie was the soundtrack. I did not expect to like this movie, being more-so a musical than a regular comedy, but they executed it perfectly. There are a few “cringy” parts throughout the movie, but overall it was well thought out. 

Sports

Ice hockey gives fans chills

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     Stow hockey had their first season game against Kenston on Dec. 1.

     In preseason they were struggling to catch a rhythm. 

     “We have a lot of younger talent this year. We lost a lot of key players that held our team together last year, so we have to rebuild our team this year,” senior Aiden Brebant said. 

     Hockey lost four starting players last season, all being key components on offense, as well as their goalie. As the team is working on connecting the puck on the ice to catch momentum during games to get ahead during preseason, they had previously played Kenston. 

     “They play dirty, and last time we played them they injured one of our players, and he’s no longer allowed to play as of now until he is healed. He was a strong player, and with him being out it is really hurting our team,” sophomore AJ Halsne said.

     Liam Schelien had his clavicle broken last time Stow played Kenston, and with angry teammates, the game against Kenston was bound to be an aggressive game. 

     “We can win–we just all have to focus. We can’t get caught up in the anger. We have to play the puck and ignore Kenston trying to get in our heads and not stoop to their level of playing dirty,” senior Alessio Simpson stated. 

     Bulldogs headed to the Pond to face Kenston for round two, and they already did not have home rink advantage, so they really had to focus and work together. The game started at 8:50 p.m. The Bulldogs were out to avenge their teammate and take a win to start their season off on the right foot. 

     Each game consists of three periods, each 15 minutes long. When the first period started, they started off strongly attacking the Kenston goal and getting good opportunities to score, but nothing seemed to hit the back of the net. 

Source: Stohion/Kenzie Gash
Senior Alessio Simpson skates down the rink in the Dec. 1 game against Kenston. The team lost 7-4.

     Kenston took the lead early in the first period. Towards the end of the first period, the Bulldogs fell behind 4-0. The first intermission started and both teams headed to the locker room to regroup. 

     “We were all frustrated, but we couldn’t get in our heads. We were still in this game–we just had to connect more on offense and not force shots that aren’t there,” senior Mason Schelien said. 

     They were falling behind, but there were still two more periods for them to get in rhythm with each other and come out on top. They hit the floor running in the second period. Schelien found the back of the net first and put Stow back in the game. 

     With a point on the board, the Bulldogs were out for more. Simpson found the net not too long after Schelien, and Stow was only trailing by two. Stow fans spirits were high in hopes they could keep up this momentum and come out victorious. 

     Kenston came back with some defense and scored for a fifth time. Both teams started playing dirty, and many athletes ended up in the penalty box. 

     Close to the end of the second period, senior Reed Surrena scored, which helped the Bulldogs keep their heads up as they headed into the third period. 

     Both teams were off to the locker rooms where they go to debrief the past period and get a game plan for the final period. The third period started, and it was back and forth, no scoring for the majority of the last period. 

     Finally, freshman Lex Watts had a big goal to get Stow’s energy back up. There was still time for the Bulldogs to come back, as they were only down by one. The game got very physical as both teams were going at each other. It became less about the puck and more about slamming one another into the boards. 

     Schelien got a penalty, which if he served, would have given Kenston an advantage; instead, Stow took a risk, and Kenston got to take a penalty shot. The goalie, freshman Seraphina Nyitray, could not let her team down. 

     With only minutes to spare and Stow only trailing by one point, it was a huge play that could change the energy of the game. The shot was taken, and saved. 

     A huge save from Nyitray, put the Bulldogs back even with Kenston as Shelien was still on the ice. 

    Even with the momentum of a save, Stow could not seem to find the net for a fifth time in the last remaining minutes of the game; however for Kenston, they were able to score two more times to end the game 7-4. 

     Stow battled to the very end, but struggled on offense to make something happen. They will face Kenston again later in their season and hope to have a better outcome.