With the cold weather, short days, and heavy workloads from classes, many students begin experiencing seasonal depression. Viterbo’s Counseling Services, located on the third floor of Murphy Center, is a great resource for students experiencing these issues. Students can schedule an appointment online or come to walk-in hours Monday through Thursday. Furthermore, Viterbo Wellbeing’s account on Instagram is consistently posting great information about mental health and wellness, as well as about resources and events on campus.
Christine Huggett, a clinical therapist at Viterbo, shared advice on managing seasonal depression. After graduating from Viterbo’s Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling program in 2022, she worked at a small outpatient mental health clinic, with a telehealth group practice, and currently works in Viterbo’s counseling services.
Huggett explained what seasonal depression is to the Lumen, stating that it is “is just what it sounds like: depression that occurs with a seasonal pattern. It’s also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Most commonly, and especially in this part of the country, people experience seasonal depression around the colder and darker months. People usually notice feelings of sadness or listlessness, loss of interest in things they usually enjoy, and lower energy, beginning in fall or early winter and then subsiding in the spring. As for causes, it’s hard to know exactly what causes it for any one person, but contributing factors may be the lack of sunlight affecting your brain’s circadian rhythm and melatonin production, less vitamin D, and less access to outdoor activities in the winter months.” Huggett believes that seasonal depression may especially be hard for university students because during the time it usually occurs, academic demands typically start to ramp up.
Huggett offered advice for anyone who may be struggling with seasonal depression. Research shows that light therapy can help combat seasonal depression, and if it is an option, the general recommendation is to use light daily for at least 30 minutes, ideally right away in the morning. “You can also try creating a lighter, sunnier environment for yourself by letting natural light into your living space whenever possible. It can be harder to stay active during the colder months, but regular exercise is another great way to help combat depression. It’s also a good idea to prioritize social activities, even when depression and the cold are telling us to stay under the covers and isolate,” Huggett said.
She also insisted that it may be a good idea to ask a doctor about starting a Vitamin D supplement, as in Wisconsin Vitamin D deficiency affects many people. Additionally, Huggett recommends therapy which can help patients look at thought patterns and emotions, and work on creating and maintaining healthy routines and enjoyable activities to help get you through the winter.
When asked if she has any advice for students, Huggett said, “First of all, this winter has been especially difficult for so many people. You are not broken or weak for struggling right now. There are warmer and lighter days ahead, and you’re allowed to reach out for extra support to help you through.”
