The days become shorter, the weather becomes colder, and it is pitch-black outside by 7 pm. You may feel disengaged, unmotivated, lethargic, and blue. Though you gained an hour of sleep on Sunday, you still wake up feeling groggy.  

The fall and winter months may be full of fun activities and holidays but can also bring with them a sense of sadness. With the gloomy state of weather and the end of the semester ramping up, it is not uncommon to experience seasonal depression. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association has stated that seasonal affective disorder, a subset of depressive disorder, affects about 5% of the American population.  

Our environment undoubtedly affects our moods. Whenever my room is a total mess, my mind feels cluttered and anxious. When I self-isolate and shirk both social and academic responsibilities, it only worsens by anxiety and feelings of depression. The wintry weather and fleeting days can make accomplishing daily tasks and other responsibilities difficult to maintain.  

Despite these influences, there are still steps we can take, physically and mentally, to combat these seasonal blues. That is not to say that a diagnosed depressive disorder can be magically cured or that if you take my advice, you will never experience seasonal depression. But a good first step is recognizing that you are not the only one feeling these emotions.  

A wonderful way to do so is to reach out to a trusted support system. These may be friends, family members, professors, or even the counselors at Thrive Wellness. When we have the courage to be vulnerable and honest, we will be surprised how the burden of these experiences can be lifted slightly by entrusting them to those who love and care for you.  

Many people’s first response to feeling seasonal depression may be to isolate oneself from social situations, and I can say that I have certainly done so in the past. Depression can turn the activities you typically find joy and excitement into chores or unpleasant experiences. So, one thing that has helped me in not isolating myself is to a) plan fun activities and b) ask my friends and family to keep me accountable for attending those activities. When the seasonal blues come around, you may be tempted to cancel plans or avoid them altogether. Although having time alone to relax and enjoy solitude is important, so are moments of fellowship with others. Take advantage of the many opportunities the season of fall and winter have to offer, like baking cookies, cuddling up to watch a movie, going ice skating, or seeing Christmas lights. There have been so many times where I was dreading a social activity because I wanted to cancel and self-isolate, but when I decided to go, I realized it was worth it. Planning fun activities allows you to have something to look forward to and motivate yourself.  

Another source of mood improvement and motivation can be daily exercise. You do not have to follow a body builder’s gym routine to reap the benefits of physical activity. Even a daily walk for 15 minutes or so, alone or with friends, can be a reliable source of mental and physical stimulation. There have been many times where I am studying in the library, and I take a break to walk around our beautiful campus and I return to my work more invigorated. If you have a gym membership, going for just 30 minutes a day can significantly improve your mood. We are not meant to be sedentary creatures, sitting at desks all day, so there are biological foundations for how beneficial physical activity can be.  

Last, but certainly not least, the Lord provides the most reliable respite from depression and anxiety. In Psalm 40, David writes “I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” Although the season of fall and winter often represent the period of death in nature, the Lord is with us, especially in these challenging times. As the Creator of the Universe, He has blessed and made each season for a reason. We can lean on Him and pray for peace and joy in the midst of difficulty. 

Seasonal depression may not be avoidable, but it is manageable. With mindful and healthy practices, we can combat the symptoms. The best antidote is people–spending time and confiding in those we love and who love us. And though the cold of winter may last for a time, the renewal of spring is not too far behind.  

Anderson University’s Thrive Wellness Center provides students with a plethora of resources to help improve mental health. Check out their page to learn of the opportunities they provide.