It’s that time of year again. The time of year when you look out the window at 5:30 in the evening and it’s nearly pitch black. The time of year when you stay in your cozy dorm room at all costs since colder weather is finally upon us. With these seasonal changes in mind, it is important to keep an eye out for differences in your mood, sleeping pattern, behavior, and your appetite. If you find that you are experiencing irritability, fatigue, social withdrawal, or even weight gain, you could be experiencing seasonal depression.
Seasonal depression sneaks up on most people around late Fall and can persist throughout Winter. This is in part due to the lack of Vitamin D that normally is provided to us by the sun. With all the grey, cloudy days we have in the Fall/Winter, it’s no wonder how many people experience some affects of seasonal depression. It is important to understand that there is a lot you can do to avoid these negative feelings!! For example:
1. Get as much natural sunlight as you can! This can be as simple as opening your blinds and allowing the sun to shine through. Once the sunsets, it can help to turn on more lights in your dorm as well.
2. Exercise Exercise Exercise. I know, who wants to leave their dorm to walk to the gym? Well, working out boosts many feel-good chemicals in your brain. If you are not a huge fan of going to the gym, that’s okay! Taking a walk will do the trick (bonus points if you walk outside in natural sunlight).
3. Eat a better diet. I know how hard this can be, especially at Saint Vincent, but by eating super sugary foods and simple carbs, you are doing yourself a disservice. Try increasing the amount of bananas, oatmeal, almonds, and other foods rich in nutrients.
4. Surround yourself with friends. This is a great way to avoid the feelings of sadness and social withdrawal. Try to do fun things and get out of the dorms more! Explore campus, go to the mall, or go somewhere new to study.
5. Try not to stress so much! Easier said than done. Especially because final exams fall right in the peak time for seasonal depression to affect people. It is important to have balance. If you study for an hour, take some time for yourself or for friends for at least half of that time. I know how important grades are, but our mental health is way more important!
Please remember if you are having any severe forms of these symptoms or having any suicidal thoughts, do not ignore them. 1-800-273-8255 is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Saint Vincent offers many great counselors to speak with in the Wellness Center as well. I hope these tips help and I hope you all have a great Fall and Winter!
HCXO,
Allie