January 10, 2025

By Shaniya Golden-Riddle

As the winter sets in and the weather gets colder, seasonal depression and “winter blues” starts to hit its peak. Mental health for some can begin to decline which is why it is so important to prioritize your well-being and mental wellness when you can. This is particularly true for students who can feel burdened by outside factors like schoolwork, home life, extracurricular activities, and social issues. While it can be hard to manage, it is not impossible, and these few suggestions and tips can help aid in boosting one’s mood and elevating your mental health.

Firstly, the topic of seasonal depression and general “winter blues” is very important. According to Mayo Clinic, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and winter blues are common conditions during the winter months. Low energy, trouble focusing, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and gloomy or hopeless feelings are a few of the symptoms that the Mayo Clinic attributes to this disorder. These challenges can be made worse by less sunlight, or vitamin D, more academic pressure, and less social engagement, especially for college students.

Academic success, healthy connections, and overall quality of life all depend on mental health. But, in part because of the stigma, which is that people struggling with mental health issues may be seen as weak or less than, so many students feel under pressure to "push through" difficulties without asking for assistance. Taking proactive measures and acknowledging the significance of mental health can have a substantial impact. These measures and tips can aid in preserving your mental health:

Practicing time management: effective time management is helpful when managing stress levels which helps in keeping your mental health stable. Using a planner and planning days out in advance as well as completing assignments in increments over time will relieve stress and allow for things to be completed in a timely manner. The Drexel University Center for Learning and Academic Success Services (CLASS) offers some tips on how to manage your time wisely and efficiently.

Lean on/build a support system: Juggling things alone is never fun and can be a tiring experience. Having friends and family to rely on is very crucial, especially in the winter months. If you find yourself not having a strong support system, Drexel offers multiple counseling options free of charge for students. There are also many clubs students can join to meet new people and build connections.

Light Exposure and Physical Activity: Winter often limits exposure to natural light, which can impact mood. Consider spending time outdoors during the day when possible. Physical activity, even simple indoor exercises or using Drexel’s recreation center, can boost mood and energy levels.

Balancing social life and Academics: Maintaining a social life is important but so are boundaries. Do not overextend yourself but also make an effort to see your friends and family when you can. Low stress activities like movie nights and dinner outings are low maintenance and allow for social time to unwind from academic and personal stress.

Besides these tips, it is heavily encouraged that students seek support from the counseling center if they are feeling down and struggling with their mental health. Students can schedule appointments with licensed psychologists at the counseling center or if they want to talk to someone closer to their age, they can make appointments with peer counselors who are not licensed but offer support and resources as a fellow student. Whether students are deeply struggling or just need someone to talk to, Drexel has resources to offer and wants everyone to feel supported, seen, and heard.

Prioritizing mental health during winter is essential for thriving academically, emotionally, and physically. Although the weather and term may seem daunting, finding little things to keep spirits up and unwind when needed will keep students pushing forward. Remember, taking care of yourself is not just important—it is necessary.