Tips for dealing with seasonal depression from PCHS & The Furman Counseling Center
Dealing with darker days, bitter winds, and heaps of schoolwork is no small task. The Barnard community is here to help.
Artwork by Sophia Arango/The Barnard Bulletin
By Mia Cariati
December 22, 2024
Many students report feeling sadder during the winter months. In fact, seasonal depression affects around 11.5 million people annually. The combination of a gloomy winter atmosphere, more time spent inside, and the abundance of school work typically assigned as the seasons begin to change can be tough to cope with.
Kathleen Yang (BC ‘28) says that the winter season significantly worsens her mood: “When it gets darker and colder out I want human company even more, but instead I am stuck in my dorm by myself.”
It's important to remember that the winter season does not have to feel isolating. The Primary Care Health Service (PCHS) and the Furman Counseling Center have compiled some helpful, efficient tips for minimizing symptoms of seasonal depression and prioritizing your mental health. Below are some helpful habits related to both mental and physical wellbeing that you can incorporate into your daily routine during the difficult winter months.
Establish a routine for light exposure and physical activity.
During the winter time, many students develop the habit of staying in their dorms or the library all day, only stepping outside once the sun has already set around 5 pm. This decrease in natural light exposure can have significant negative effects on mood. Therefore, PCHS recommends that students create a routine that maximizes the amount of light exposure they receive during the morning or afternoon. Try taking a 20-minute walk before your first class, or doing some of your schoolwork at a table in the quad. Both options are a great way to spend some time outside and soak in some much needed sunlight.
Physical activity is also a great way to boost endorphins and mitigate the effects of seasonal depression. Now is the perfect time to check out the newly opened Barnard Gym, located in the LeFrak Center. Try to attend one of the many FitBear classes offered in the LeFrak center, which include Yoga, Total Sculpt, Barre Mix, and Cardio Kickbox.
Build and maintain support networks.
It can be easy to isolate yourself as classes ramp up and the weather gets cooler. Try your best to resist this urge to detach and instead get involved on campus. Attend club meetings, go to sporting events, and reach out to friends and family.
If you still feel alone, feel free to contact the Furman Counseling Center. They offer a variety of support services including appointments via telehealth, crisis walk-in appointments, and in-person, as well as support group sessions that can help you build connection and support within the Barnard community.
Seek professional support early.
The bottom line is that you should never hesitate to ask for help. The Barnard community is here for you. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression during the winter months, schedule an appointment with the Furman Counseling Center via their website, which is linked above. The Furman Counseling Center offers free appointments to all current Barnard students, so do not let financial concerns stop you from reaching out. The PCHS team can also evaluate your physical health and prescribe nutritional supplements and other treatments to make sure your mental and physical health is being properly cared for. These visits are completely free to all Barnard students, though you may be charged for any treatments and prescriptions depending on your insurance type. So, make sure you are feeling your best this winter season by taking advantage of Barnard’s many mental health resources.