As winter approaches, many high schoolers note they experience what’s often referred to as “winter depression.” During this time, students notice feeling an unexpected wave of sadness or dread, which is most likely related to the shorter days and reduced sunlight from the winter season.
The colder weather and increased time spent indoors adds on to these negative moods, leaving many teenagers feeling isolated or unmotivated.
The lack of outdoor activity and social interaction during winter also makes the season feel even longer and more draining due to the sheer cold weather, leaving outside activities out of the picture.
Jayzmine Santacruz, a senior, agrees, stating, “People may feel sadder in the winter because we tend to stay indoors, which makes us feel more isolated. The winter weather limits social interaction and can impact our thought processing.”
“The days also begin to feel much shorter, and so it feels like there is less time to relax because it feels like the day has basically ended already,” says Santacruz.
Winter’s shorter days cause less sunlight, which leads to reduced levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps regulate mood. Lower serotonin levels make it harder to stay energized and positive, contributing to the feelings of sadness many students experience.
With academic pressure, the change to winter creates a heavier emotional load, making winter feel much less exciting for students all alike.
Balancing these contrasting activities of stress, exams, and homework makes it difficult for students to climb out of the hole they have sunken into due to winter depression.
These feelings may be related to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition linked to changes in the seasons. Symptoms typically begin in the fall and continue through the winter months, which could explain why many students notice a drop in motivation and energy during this time.
However, it’s important to remember that you should not self-diagnose based on this article. Many other factors can also contribute to why students start feeling burned out during the winter.
Emma McCord, a junior at Granada high school, explains, “Humans are biological organisms, and our bodies exhibit natural seasonal responses to colder temperatures that resemble a form of hibernation.”
“This hibernation like state slows our energy levels, which is why many people feel more fatigued or depressed during the winter months.”
There are many ways to combat winter depression, including using light therapy, getting more natural sunlight, exercising, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and staying connected with friends and family.
For example, opening blinds and sitting near windows allows the body to produce vitamin D endogenously when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis, as stated by the National Institute of Health.
Staying connected with loved ones to avoid isolation and boost feelings of happiness is just as important. Regular contact with family and friends, in person or not, reduces stress, and can help lighten the feelings of isolation often experienced during the winter months.
Getting sunlight, staying active, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and staying connected with loved ones is an important step in keeping your mental health in check during the winter months.
With the holiday season approaching, there are many events to look forward to. Christmas and other celebrated holidays, such as Hanukkah, bring people together, helping in the fight against winter depression.
