Take steps to protect your mental health
The end of daylight savings time marks the beginning of shorter days and earlier sunsets. Many students struggle with adjusting to this change, which can lead to mental and physical health effects. However, there are steps we can take as a community to make this transition easier.
“It’s important to recognize the common humanity of the situation,” said Sarah Woodruff, Assistant Director of Outreach for the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being. “Most of us will adjust, but some people may develop a milder version of seasonal depression, more of a feeling of winter blues going into the fall and winter months.”
If you’re feeling these “winter blues,” there are several steps you can take to make the most of the fewer hours of sunlight. It’s important to maintain a routine that includes healthy eating, getting plenty of natural light, and staying active. “Connecting with the people that are important in our life and planning activities with friends can also be a useful strategy to help you cope with the shorter days,” said Woodruff.
These feelings, however, can sometimes develop into more serious forms of seasonal depression. A common condition during the winter months is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is believed to be caused by a decrease in sunlight, leading to a chemical change in the brain.
“My first tip is always recognizing that these signs of the winter blues or seasonal affective disorder are something real. This is in our biology. This is worthy of attention,” Sally Weinstein, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, mentioned in an interview with the University of Illinois Chicago Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience.
Common symptoms of SAD include drowsiness, social withdrawal, decreased ability to focus, and loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities. Woodruff urges students to “set up an appointment to talk to a counselor at the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being if you are noticing that your symptoms are affecting your ability to function in your daily life.”
Light therapy is also commonly recommended as a preventative measure or to treat mild symptoms of seasonal depression. Mood lights are available for students to borrow on campus at the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being, the library, and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are many resources on campus that are available to help during the shorter-day season.
