The weather keeps changing, and while fall has come to an end in 2025, winter is only beginning. However, there is happiness in seasonal times, and feelings ebb and flow throughout every season. The lack of sunlight after it starts setting earlier makes it feel like it has already turned to night instead of midday. In other words, seasonal depression – also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)– means a loss of pleasure or interest in normal activities that can come and go as the seasons change. For example, people may lose interest in hobbies they usually enjoy the most, or experience a lack of social interaction. This could lead to a lack of energy for outdoor activities as it gets colder from late fall to early winter. With the fall semester coming to a close and as winter approaches, seasonal depression itself is more than just the winter blues in general. Although many people, including students, can face similar emotions like this, seasonal depression has a more serious impact on everyday life. Seasonal depression can lead to sadness, as well as be the cause of social isolation from peers and family, further preventing people from feeling like themselves.Â
Here are some things I have done to cope during these winter months:Â
My advice for how to cope with seasonal depression may include using a SAD lamp. The question on everyone’s mind might be, “what is a SAD lamp?” According to The New York Times, it is a device that simulates natural light and helps people with the disorder take in more light during the darker months, which can improve their mood and daily functioning. Beyond the benefits of finding light indoors, outdoor activities like taking a walk or running can also help people find freedom or positivity. Another helpful strategy is brightening houses or apartments to make them feel like it’s still daytime, even after 4 p.m. Furthermore, SAD Lamps can help students concentrate on their assignments and finals by boosting their energy to study, without seasonal depression getting in the way.
Another way to deal with seasonal depression is to maintain a consistent sleep schedule to prevent oversleeping and missed alarms. Another way to avoid having mood disorders is by building knowledge on the topic and staying connected with peers instead of staying isolated throughout the winter. What else can be considered beneficial in reducing seasonal depression? Writing can also be super helpful if negativity is impacting mental health. Journaling shifts thoughts on what is on someone’s mind, especially when using it as a tool and writing daily.Â
 Winter nowadays gets darker very early, leaving individuals feeling disoriented and deprived of natural light. With experience of the symptoms, counselors help guide students in prioritizing their well-being. Managing seasonal depression might involve finding brightness within instead of finding it externally. All exams, jobs, and winter weather surround their life. Help is available to anyone; even finding peer support for students can navigate seasonal depression and finding openness.
Editor’s note: the Her Campus at Pace editorial team also contributed to this story.