Wintertime can be a very difficult time of the year for many people, lets be honest, no one really loves the cold, dark and colorless mood which follows just before and right after the holidays. This time of year which generally occurs towards the end of November up until mid March can be especially tough for those who are suffering from any spectrum of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or wintertime blues, which is associated more with the disorder affecting the person during the wintertime months.
It isn't something to be ashamed of. You aren't crazy if you feel like you have a loss of energy during the winter months, feel sad when you look outside and it's 5 p.m. and pitch black, and you have that cold feeling that never stops. Those are normal to feel. But for people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, these feelings can feel more stronger and be more severe.
Like I said, you probably have these feelings already, and these feelings can be general feelings wintertime gives you. The feeling of wanting to sleep all the time, constant sadness, your anxiety rises, your irritability rises, your appetite changes, you gain/loose weight and you feel like every step you take feels heavier and heavier. Some feel it more than others, but it can get to a point where it can be very dangerous
It isn't easy going through this, especially if you are a young person in college, away from home, and away from your comforting environment. But there are ways you can make these symptoms better even while you're away from your family and close friends at home. You feel like you are trapped, and cannot leave the emotions that are constantly hitting you. You want to stay in bed all day, or hide in a comfort corner until it gets warmer and sunnier out. You just don't want to see people, interact with friends, go out.
Socializing. Even if it's for a little while, say and hour or so, the more human interaction you have with someone especially close friends is better. Get lunch with your friend from history class, get involved in a club sport, go to some activities your college has to offer even if it's free food or pencils. Little interaction is better than none!
Family. This can be difficult. As a college student you want to be on your own but lets face it, you still do miss your family back home! Sometimes if you're a student who lives close enough to go home, never be shy to go home for a weekend to visit your family. If it's someone who lives far away, they are only a phone call/ text message/ FaceTime away!
Take care of yourself. Wintertime in itself is a time where people tend to forget physical activities and proper diets, which isn't good in general. Go to the gym regularly, eat the right foods, drink lots of water, girls treat yourself to a manicure!
Practice good stress management. Alongside of the seasonal effectiveness, schoolwork on top of that is just another thing to be worried about. Practice good balance and a way to get all your work done without harming yourself or going crazy about little things. Just take deep breaths.
Express yourself. If you are having a difficult day do not be afraid to express it to others. Talk to a close friend, your roommate, your professor, your parents, its okay not to be OK. Use the campus mental health resources if you need to talk to a professional about what you're going through.
