Have the seasons changed around you? Is the sun nowhere to be seen? Do the days seem shorter but at the same time, feel horribly long? Do you find yourself with a lack of energy? Are you oversleeping? Gaining weight? Sad? Feel hopeless? Have a loss of interest in things that once made you incredibly happy? Have thoughts of death and suicide? If you’ve answered yes to a majority of these questions, there may be a chance that you’re suffering from seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
When it comes to being away from home and being on a college campus, dealing with all forms of depression is extremely hard, so please go and talk to the mental health and counseling services that your college provides. In addition to seeking help from a professional, here are some lifestyle changes they may raise your spirits:
Going outside more often and getting plenty of sunlight
Without enough sunlight exposure, a person’s serotonin levels can dip low. Low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of seasonal affective disorder. It is said that having just a little more sunlight in your life can reduce anxiety and depression.
Exercising
Take up some form of exercise. There’s evidence that exercise can help lift your mood. If you haven’t exercised for a while, start gently by walking for 20 minutes every day, even if it’s just walking around your dormitory.
Avoiding drugs and alcohol
Going out to parties and getting drunk, while smoking weed may seem awesome and wonderful, but it’s more harmful than helpful. It’s tempting to want to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs to cope with the symptoms of depression, but you’re more vulnerable to negative side effects when the alcohol or drugs wear off.
Getting plenty of sleep
It’s challenging trying to find and implement a sleep schedule as a college student, but remember that sleep is an essential and crucial part of our lives. Sleep is extremely important to brain health and is a key component in managing the symptoms of depression. Please try and get at least eight hours of sleep a night.
Practicing relaxation exercises
Relaxation techniques such as meditation, massage, and exercise can release endorphins, which are chemicals in the body that relieve pain and are thought to elevate your mood.
It’s really hard going through difficult times alone, so always seek out help and guidance from individuals you trust!