How to Deal With Seasonal Depression

As colder temperatures and cloudier skies quickly approach, many students at Walls experience something known as seasonal depression. Weighing in on the aspects of seasonal depression, SWW school psychologist Dr. Lori McDowell described the occurrence with the term “Seasonal Affective Depression,” or SAD. “When the time changes, people might begin to feel some internal and psychological changes.” She explained how this can cause mood fluctuations, fatigue, prolonged sadness, and the feeling that “nothing is really working.” 

SWW freshman Tiago Nunes-Nero (‘29) described his experience with themes of seasonal depression in the summer. “Because of the prolonged periods, all of it is a break, and the more it feels like all this free time and freedom is temporary,” Nunes-Nero explained. The idea that the eventual start of the school year is approaching is hectic. Adding on, Nunes-Nero stated that the heat being muggy and extra uncomfortable was an additional struggle. “Just having a good time” is a strategy Nunes-Nero included in preventing sadness, especially during the warm seasons when hanging out outside is common.

When discussing strategies for how to stay happy and uplifting during dark times, Dr. McDowell mentioned how to overcome the challenge of waking up to darkness: “There are some different lamps that you can purchase to put by your beds, so it mimics the sun.” She also mentioned that “if you like a comedy, a good comedy show or comedy movie, do it, okay? You need to be able to laugh and joke.”Another main benefit is communication with others. “Talking about how you feel, talking to your parents, that’s a big one! And then talking to other people. Here at Walls, students tend to either mask or shield how they’re feeling.” Dr. McDowell explained that adults also feel mood changes, and that it’s important to stay happy and communicative. 

“I am a big advocate for the ‘mental health day,’” Dr. McDowell continued, a form of absence when you don’t feel right or need a break, and she stated that it’s understandable. “There are a couple of months where there’s not a built-in break, and in those months, you really do need to find some time.”

Rounding out her opinions, Dr. McDowell said, "definitely knowing that other people are going through the same thing” is extremely important. SWW senior Elle Ericsson-White (‘26), president of the psychology club at Walls, mentioned that seasonal depression can be handled with “enjoying myself, watching Christmas movies, spending time with my family inside the house, and figuring out what I can do out there.” Students can attend the psych club on Monday afternoons, immersing themselves in a welcoming place to discuss anything related to mental health. In a hectic school building and a cold season, having each other to talk to and share memories with is vital.