Winter Blues: How Weather Impacts Your Mental Health

Lilly Trow ‘29

Staff Writer

Most people have probably heard of the concept “winter blues,” a commonality amongst many when winter picks up or seasons change. The weather can go from bright, sunny, and lush to gray, dull and saddening. There are some people who tend to do better in this type of weather; maybe those who enjoy winter sports or simply hate the heat. However, it is reasonable to say that many feel less motivated during wintertime and find themselves hoping for sunnier days.

People tend to discuss this topic very casually, maybe speaking with friends or coworkers about their hate of the ice or how it gets dark too early. What people are usually unaware of is how dramatic the effects of seasonal depression are. Most people do not know of the true significance of these emotional highs and lows that correspond with the weather. In fact, this is such a widespread commonality amongst people that the DSM-5-TR even includes it within the diagnosis of major depressive disorder as a symptom pattern.

Some common symptoms associated with this disorder are: feeling sad, losing interest in activities, having low energy, sleeping too much, weight changes and more, as published in Mayo Clinic. The clinical name for this disorder is major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern, with all age groups being affected sometimes during different seasons. The American Psychiatric Association has statistics that show that this affects 5% of people and typically lasts 40% of the year, with younger people and women being more likely to develop it. It is also important to note that this diagnosis can overlap with others and can be missed in official diagnoses due to the importance of keeping track of one’s symptoms per year. Many people can struggle with it and be none the wiser.

The severity of symptoms can differ depending on the person, but younger people around college age are heavily affected, especially since many are travelling to different climates for school than their hometown. Because symptoms for this disorder are overlapping with those of depression, the typical college student may be severely affected, causing grades to slip and social dynamics to suffer. 

However, there are many ways a person can manage their symptoms. Johns Hopkins Medicine offers many solutions, or at least symptom relief until the seasons change. Light therapy has widespread success, as it can help the brain regulate important neurotransmitters affected by sunlight and help with circadian rhythm, improving daily function. Therapy is also very effective, although this is typically paired with other treatments as well. In more severe cases, antidepressants are also used. 

Being at Trinity, where snowstorms have been common and activities due to weather have been affected, it is important for students to be educated on this disorder and be aware of their mental well-being and what they can do if needed. Anyone struggling with this or similar symptoms can and should find help and get symptom relief quickly.

Trinity College Counseling Center: (860)-297-2415

Suicide Hotline: 988