By Kaitlin Harker

Do you ever feel sad? If you’re human, the answer to that question is most definitely yes.

But how about when the cold, dark, stormy Rexburg winter strolls into town? Do you feel even sadder? Perhaps when the sunny days leave, you feel your happiness walk out the door with it.

As much of a buzzkill it is to think about, Rexburg winters are notorious for bringing beautiful snow with a dose of seasonal depression.

Most of you have probably heard about seasonal depression, but let’s dive deeper into what it actually is. Seasonal depression is also referred to as, “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” “In most cases, seasonal affective disorder symptoms appear during late fall or early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer” (Mayo Clinic, 2021). There are a variety of symptoms that accompany depression and depending on the person, one might experience just a few symptoms or all of them.

Symptoms include:

Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Having low energy and feeling sluggish
Having problems with sleeping too much
Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain
Having difficulty concentrating
Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
Having thoughts of not wanting to live

(Mayo Clinic, 2021).

Here in Rexburg, seasonal depression is quite common as most individuals coming here for college are not used to the colder temperatures and gray skies. I am from Tucson, Arizona, an extremely sunny and hot state. No matter the time of year, I could always go outside and enjoy the bright, sunny weather. When I got to Rexburg, I realized how difficult it was for me not to see the sun for a few weeks. I loved the snow, but I really missed the clear and sunny skies. In several of my classes at BYU-I, I have noticed individuals going through similar things. They are college students trying to adjust to living on their own, having heavier workloads, and struggling with the weather. Odds are that you or someone you know may experience seasonal depression. Here are a couple of tips (backed up by science) that may help:

Exercise regularly – With snow on the ground, it can be hard to get outside. For BYU-I students, the I-Center, Hart gym, and pool are all free options to get some exercise in while staying warm. For other community members, there are countless home workouts that can be done or gyms to attend.
Brighten your environment – Open the blinds and adjust your workspace so that you can have some natural light. Having bright flowers in your house or apartment can also be a way to help lighten the mood.
Normalize sleep patterns – Having a regular sleep schedule is extremely important so that you get an adequate amount of sleep.
Snow can be beautiful – The way it glistens when the sun shines on it, the way it covers the trees and makes them white, and how it has unique beauty.
Rock out to happy jams – Music has a big impact on your mood. If you are listening to sad music, it will only add to your depression. Try listening to something upbeat and positive.
When appropriate, seek counsel from a medical professional – When seasonal depression worsens or doesn’t fade as the seasons change, it may be time to seek out medical help.

Citations:

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, December 14). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20364722