With the recent time change, the days have become shorter and the nights are longer — tell-tale signs that we are headed into the winter season.
In north Idaho, the sun sets at 5 p.m., making the days go by so fast it can be difficult to get enough sunlight. Some people feel down or more easily upset this time of year, every year. One of the most common mental illnesses associated with this time of year is seasonal depression.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms may be irritability, low energy, oversleeping, appetite changes and a heavy feeling in the limbs.
While psychologists and doctors do not fully understand why this occurs, they believe it could be due to our biological clocks. The decrease in sunlight may cause a disruption to our internal clocks, leading to feelings of depression. Students at the University of Idaho are at a higher risk because they live so far from the equator and receive so little sunlight each day.
Since we can’t change our location or the Earth’s rotation, self-care becomes crucial. We can do things to make ourselves feel better, including waking up earlier to enjoy more sunshine, going for a walk outside, journaling, snuggling up and watching Netflix or anything that may help lift spirits. Opening up the blinds when you wake up and or talking to someone you trust may also help.
UI also offers self-help events throughout the semester. During Destress Fest, which is held the week of Dec. 5, Student Involvement brings animals to campus, Campus Recreation offers free yoga and Vandal Health Ed has a Health Hut focusing on self-care ideas where students can make a stress ball. Jamie Derrick also offers a mindfulness class once a week for credit that could be beneficial.
If the symptoms or feelings become severe enough to cause a disruption in a student’s daily life, such as not going to classes or not hanging out with friends, it may be time to seek professional help. The Counseling and Testing Center (CTC), located on the third floor of Mary Forney Hall is open five days a week, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. It is free to students and completely confidential. Treatment for seasonal depression can include talk therapy or light therapy, which is a special light box that mimics natural sunlight and can cause a change in brain chemicals related to mood. Whatever a student may need, the CTC can help.
While our current environment may be dark, our feelings and mood don’t have to be. Many people experience seasonal depression each year and there are options available that can help anyone find the light.
Kylie George is a peer educator can be reached at [email protected]