While all struggles are usually on a spectrum of mild to moderate to severe, winter tends to bring out one specific challenge that can range from barely noticeable to clinically impairing. Some call it the winter blues, winter depression, seasonal depression, or just by its acronym, SAD. Whatever the name, the symptoms sound the same: less energy, a change in appetite, a lower mood, and an overall withdrawal from friends, activities, and interests.

SAD is actually a type of depression (the official diagnosis is Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern), and it is characterized by periods of depression that occur during a specific season (usually fall or winter). It is not officially announced with the change in weather, but you might notice your student sleeping more, doing less, and making maybe not-so-obvious comments about feelings of worthlessness or overall negative thoughts. While we will always encourage students to seek out the free counseling services that are offered on campus through Health and Counseling Services or an outpatient counseling agency off-campus, you can also suggest a few ideas for your student to try throughout the gloomy winter months.

• Light therapy is the first suggested treatment (sometimes recommended in tandem with counseling) and can be used on a daily basis, usually with a range of time in which the person sits directly in front of a bright light.

• Some prescription medications have been proven useful, but for those who don’t feel comfortable seeking that type of support, taking a vitamin D supplement is often a helpful alternative (as long as you check to make sure it won’t negatively impact any current medication).

• Setting small weekly goals and finding dates or events to look forward to is a great distraction and another supportive action step. If you know of an upcoming campus event you think your student will enjoy, gently reminding them to put it on their calendar or to find a friend to go with them will give your student something to plan for and serve as a future-oriented commitment.

• With any type of depression, movement and exercise are extremely beneficial, so taking walks on a treadmill or indoor track can potentially assist with increasing energy, decreasing stress, and improving mood quality (which is what we are aiming for!).

• If you have struggled with seasonal depression yourself, sometimes disclosing your own challenges can be a wonderful way to authentically connect with your child while reminding them they are not alone, and you will get through it, together.

Written by Sarah Blasiman, LPCC, LCDCIII