Ah yes, Seasonal Affective Disorder. That magical time of year when the sun clocks out at 4:37pm, your motivation flatlines, and suddenly everything feels harder. You’re tired. You’re cold. You’re questioning every life choice you’ve ever made. Even your emotional support candle isn’t cutting it anymore.

May we humbly suggest an unconventional remedy?

Casual. Dating.

Before you clutch your weighted blanket in horror, hear us out.

SAD Makes You Want to Hibernate. Dating Makes You Put On Pants.

One of the cruelest symptoms of SAD is the urge to fully disappear. Cancel plans. Ghost group chats. Become one with your couch. Casual dating, however, gently (or not-so-gently) forces you back into the world. You shower. You put on real clothes. You leave your house after dark. Growth!

Is it the same as therapy? No.
Is it better than doomscrolling alone under a duvet? Absolutely.

New People = New Dopamine (Science-ish)

Seasonal depression thrives on sameness. Same routines. Same walls. Same sad little snack rotation. Dating introduces novelty: new conversations, new laughs, new perspectives, new reasons to overthink a text for three hours. Novelty sparks dopamine, and dopamine is basically sunshine for your brain.

Plus, flirting is cardio for your self-esteem. Even a mid date can remind you that you are, in fact, desirable and interesting and not destined to become a human mushroom.

Casual Dating Is Low Stakes, High Vibes

This is not about finding your soulmate while the sun is on vacation. This is about coffee dates, drinks, walks, banter, and reminding yourself that connection doesn’t have to be heavy to be meaningful.

No commitment, no trauma-dumping, just a fun connection with someone on the same page as you.
And honestly, that alone can be huge when SAD has you convinced you should never leave the house or speak to another adult ever again.

The Plot Twist: Community > Isolation

Here’s the real tea: SAD feeds on isolation. And while dating isn’t a cure-all, connection matters. Being seen, laughed with, touched (consensually!), and reminded you’re part of the world can seriously shift your mood.

Which brings us to OBC.

If casual dating sounds fun but dating apps sound like an emotional wasteland… you’re not alone. OBC is about meeting people in a way that’s social, low-pressure, and actually enjoyable. Friends, flirtation, connection, vibes. No algorithms trying to decide your fate.

Consider it mental health support, but cuter. 

Join OBC. Meet people. Touch grass. Feel something. Your SAD doesn’t stand a chance.