How to avoid winter blues
By Aubrey Wurst
December 6, 2025
(Haecker, n.d.)
As the weather gets colder, leaves fall, and the sky can start to get grey. The cold weather can have a large impact on students' health and wellbeing.
Managing the “winter blues” can be hard for a lot of college students, but it is a crucial part in mental health and academic performance.
The National Institute of Mental Health said “winter blues” is common amongst most people, and can be defined as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
“Symptoms start in the late fall or early winter and go away during the spring and summer, known as winter-pattern SAD or winter depression” The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) stated.
For students at northern schools, winter blues can last for most of their school year, the NIMH said “SAD is a type of depression characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about 4−5 months out of the year.”
Lauren Caye, Graduate student at this University and business analytics major, said she is experiencing winter blues currently.
“When it gets dark outside early I get very unmotivated and sad and find myself thinking about summer and I just don't want to do anything and I want to sleep a lot.”
Caye said to avoid the blues, she tries to wake up earlier to see more of the sun, take less naps, and “make sure I am getting outside in the sunlight,”.
The NIMH states that sunlight is helpful when it comes to “SAD” and “winter blues,”.
“Research suggests that sunlight affects levels of molecules that help maintain normal serotonin levels. Shorter daylight hours may prevent these molecules from functioning properly, contributing to decreased serotonin levels in the winter,” the NIMH said.
Kate Stephens, freshman Hearing and Speech Science major, said she falls victim to winter blues, and is much happier when she is in the sunlight than when it is grey outside.
“It just makes me feel warm and like I can do anything.” Stephens said.
Stephens said winter blues, to her, feels like she doesn't want to get up or do anything which is a common symptom for winter blues
When dealing with winter blues, remember you are not alone, and doing simple acts that you enjoy throughout the day can drastically increase your mood. These acts may include going for a walk, making your favorite food, or treating yourself to a fun drink at a coffee shop.
“Hanging out with friends helps, and forcing myself to do stuff because even though it's cold out, there is still some sunlight which makes me feel better.” Stephens said.
It is essential to remember winter blues are common and more people experience them than you may expect, and that you are not alone.
Source :
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Interviews :
Lauren Caye - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rGchDNFyj-QaR1_yMNeUmI65BMJeolw4/view?usp=sharing
Kate Stephens -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sxfCYvbgygepLpoUdkizvjXtJQp7PrW1/view?usp=sharing
Managing the “winter blues” can be hard for a lot of college students, but it is a crucial part in mental health and academic performance.
The National Institute of Mental Health said “winter blues” is common amongst most people, and can be defined as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
“Symptoms start in the late fall or early winter and go away during the spring and summer, known as winter-pattern SAD or winter depression” The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) stated.
For students at northern schools, winter blues can last for most of their school year, the NIMH said “SAD is a type of depression characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about 4−5 months out of the year.”
Lauren Caye, Graduate student at this University and business analytics major, said she is experiencing winter blues currently.
“When it gets dark outside early I get very unmotivated and sad and find myself thinking about summer and I just don't want to do anything and I want to sleep a lot.”
Caye said to avoid the blues, she tries to wake up earlier to see more of the sun, take less naps, and “make sure I am getting outside in the sunlight,”.
The NIMH states that sunlight is helpful when it comes to “SAD” and “winter blues,”.
“Research suggests that sunlight affects levels of molecules that help maintain normal serotonin levels. Shorter daylight hours may prevent these molecules from functioning properly, contributing to decreased serotonin levels in the winter,” the NIMH said.
Kate Stephens, freshman Hearing and Speech Science major, said she falls victim to winter blues, and is much happier when she is in the sunlight than when it is grey outside.
“It just makes me feel warm and like I can do anything.” Stephens said.
Stephens said winter blues, to her, feels like she doesn't want to get up or do anything which is a common symptom for winter blues
When dealing with winter blues, remember you are not alone, and doing simple acts that you enjoy throughout the day can drastically increase your mood. These acts may include going for a walk, making your favorite food, or treating yourself to a fun drink at a coffee shop.
“Hanging out with friends helps, and forcing myself to do stuff because even though it's cold out, there is still some sunlight which makes me feel better.” Stephens said.
It is essential to remember winter blues are common and more people experience them than you may expect, and that you are not alone.
Source :
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Interviews :
Lauren Caye - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rGchDNFyj-QaR1_yMNeUmI65BMJeolw4/view?usp=sharing
Kate Stephens -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sxfCYvbgygepLpoUdkizvjXtJQp7PrW1/view?usp=sharing