By: Jimin Yu, a Mason student majoring in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” – Victor Hugo
Have you ever experienced the “winter blues,” also known as seasonal depression? Seasonal depression is more than just a passing gloom – it’s a significant mental health concern for many people. Let’s explore how to cope with seasonal depression for your well-being.
When winter arrives, the cold weather keeps me indoors more often, and the reduced sunlight impacts my mood and energy levels. I find myself retreating into an emotional “cave,” focusing on pessimistic and depressing thoughts. At times, this spiral leaves me feeling stuck – avoiding schoolwork, household chores, and even social media interactions. These moments go beyond typical sadness and reflect the deeper struggle of seasonal depression.
Seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is distinct from simply feeling down or gloomy. If you’re able to function well in daily life despite feeling low, you may be experiencing sadness rather than depression. However, if your mood affects your ability to work, connect with others, or complete daily tasks, you might be dealing with SAD – just like me.
A quote that resonates deeply with me is: “Depression is just a cold for the heart.” While this analogy simplifies a complex condition, it captures the notion that depression, like a cold, requires care and attention to heal. Small steps, like spending time in sunlight, staying physically active, and engaging with other people, can gradually ease the symptoms of seasonal depression.
In my personal journey, I strive to be as active, passionate, and engaged as possible, even when doing so is difficult. Coping with seasonal depression is rough, but with the support and resources available, it becomes more manageable. Remember, you are not alone. I stand with you in your journey toward both academic and personal well-being.
Mason’s Mental Health Resources
Mason offers many resources to help students manage their mental health, such as these:
- TimelyCare offers access to virtual mental health care anytime of day or night.
- Counseling and Psychological Services provides professional therapy and mental health support.
- Student Health Services provides medical and mental health evaluations, screening, and behavioral health care services.
- Disability Services helps students with disabilities, including mental health challenges.
- Student Support and Advocacy Center resources help holistic student well-being.
Tips for Managing Seasonal Depression
You can manage seasonal depression in a variety of ways. Try some of these ideas:
- Light therapy: Consider using a light therapy box to simulate natural sunlight and regulate your body’s rhythms. For more information, check out this UC Davis Health Blog article.
- Stay active: Regular exercise can boost your mood and energy levels, even if you just take a short walk. Learn more about the benefits of exercise in managing seasonal depression from Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
- Maintain a routine: Sticking to a consistent daily schedule can give you a sense of stability and control. Discover more from this RWJ Barnabas Health article.
- Seek professional help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor or therapist for guidance and support. Aetna’s guide on managing seasonal depression offers more insights.
- Connect with others: Building a support network of friends, family, or peers can significantly boost your well-being. Learn more in this University of California Davis Health article.
No matter how dark the winter days may seem, there is always hope and help available. Together, we can navigate the challenges of seasonal depression and come out stronger on the other side.
Additional Resources
- The National Institute of Mental Health offers comprehensive information on seasonal depression and mental health.
- Mental Health America provides resources and support for managing mental health challenges, including seasonal depression.
- Learn more about seasonal depression through expert articles from Psychology Today.
- Find tools and tips for managing mental health and connecting with professionals through the American Psychological Association.
Write one of these Thriving Together Series features! We’re looking for contributions on all topics related to well-being. Read other Thriving Together Series articles here and contact us at [email protected] for guidelines. Thank you for helping our Mason community thrive together online!
