How students can cope with seasonal sadness

As the seasons pass and the year slowly progresses, the sad, gloomy reality of the year is destined to approach. For many students, the excitement and anticipation of fall eventually fades into exhaustion, and this time of year is when the sun starts to set earlier and the mornings seem hopeless. These darker days begin to take a toll on students’ motivation, mood, and mental health.
When the winter season is arriving, students have started to notice the daylight growing shorter and the weather turning colder. This is when many students begin to experience what experts would call Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), otherly known as seasonal depression or sadness. It is a common condition that not only affects students’ energy and motivation, but also their academic performance. It is recorded in many schools that around winter, attendance and performance is strongly altered in comparison to how it would be in the summer and spring seasons. According to UC Davis Health and Johns Hopkins Medicine, this change in mood is linked to reduced sunlight, which can disrupt the body’s internal clock and lower serotonin levels, which is the chemical that helps regulate happiness and focus. Although not every student may experience SAD, many often feel its more mild effects, especially during November and the long winter months of December, January, February, and March.
One of the simplest recommended ways to cope with this seasonal depression is to get outside and soak up sunlight whenever possible. Even taking a short walk to classes between passing periods in the school courtyard can help regulate the body’s internal clock and boost serotonin. It is emphasized that regular exposure to natural light can improve energy levels and reduce feelings of sluggishness, even on the overcast days of winter.
Another helpful strategy to cope with seasonal sadness is to remain consistent with social interaction and activity. When impacted with SAD, it is usually tempting to pull away from relationships, friendships, bonds, or even extracurricular activities. However, making time for these social interactions no matter how great or small can help brighten one’s mood. In addition, participating in clubs, extracurriculars, sports, or simply hanging out with a friend or two can help keep both one’s body and mind engaged.
One final strategy to cope as quoted by a student of HAHS who struggles with seasonal sadness is by “exercising more during the winter, even though I’m always tempted to stay indoors.” This emphasizes the fact that it is important to prioritize your mental and bodily health even while struggling during the winter season.
In conclusion, while the darker and colder months of winter can significantly take a toll on students’ mood, motivation, and mental health, it is important to understand and recognize it by using coping mechanisms or strategies. Whether it is simply getting outside for a few minutes, or remaining active, there are always ways to brighten even the gloomiest days.
For more information, visit hopkinsmedicine.org and health.ucdavis.edu.