As the fall and winter months approach, we see changes in mental health. Or better known as seasonal depression. It can be found in many people, people of all ages, and especially affects the well-being of students in a negative way.
According to Howard County, a Maryland college, “Colder seasons can promote the onset of mental health issues such as seasonal depression, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. It is said that the reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in SAD. The winter season is known for daylight saving, which is correlated with reduced sunlight, potentially causing a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression.”
Although these effects are manageable, they can feel challenging to students, making them feel as if they will never properly learn how to deal with it. This can be discouraging to most, but the science behind it shows how complex it is, not just another TikTok trend.
Eastern Washington University reports, “Symptoms to watch out for include, low energy, fatigue, or sluggishness, changes in their sleep habits, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness and/or hopelessness, changes in weight, appetite, or increased cravings for carbohydrates (sugary, comfort foods), loss of interest in activities that are normally enjoyable, daily sadness, irritability, social withdrawal, and thoughts of suicide.”
Students and teens are more likely to experience these symptoms, and it is important to recognize them and be aware of the impacts they can have on you. It’s especially important to recognize how they can affect how you act and perform when doing normal activities.
UC Davis Health says, “If you have seasonal affective disorder, there are some things you can do to help get ahead of your symptoms: Make a habit of getting out for a daily walk. This helps your mood by breathing in fresh air and providing a change in scenery, all while exercising. Add vitamin D into your diet and nutritional changes. Consult with a nutritionist or physician on what kinds of things you should target in your diet or what you should increase.Plan fun activities and stick to those commitments. Once SAD begins, you’re more likely to pull back and cancel plans. Get social with friends and family. This helps stimulate your mind and mood by being around others.Move your body with physical activity. It doesn’t have to be hard exercise, but moving your body will provide physical stimulation. If you can participate in an exercise group or class, that allows you to get physical and social benefits.Reach out to your support network. Tell your family and friends how this change of season affects you so they can check in on you. They can also help hold you accountable to your commitments and support you.”
Although it may seem challenging, pushing forward and persevering even when you feel like giving up can help you overcome and have a better mindset on it.
These feelings are normal, as most students feel this way. Colder months tend to have that effect in a negative way. Even though students can feel this way during the winter months, there are solutions and ways to minimize these feelings and make students feel more comfortable when coping.
