But there are tactics individuals can use to combat SAD, seasonal affective disorder.
Emma Peddle
Kicker
The weather, especially sporadic and unpredictable Newfoundland weather, has significant effects on all individuals and definitely students.
When you walk outside on Monday morning, whether it be to head to work or school or just to grab a coffee, the worse the weather, typically, the worse your mood.
“Studies show that extreme weather events and temperature changes can contribute to increased anxiety and depression,” said Melissa Seymour, a social worker with mental health and addiction services of N.L. Health Services.
The weather plays a big role in a person’s productivity and energy levels.
Generally, people do not often recognize just how much sunlight reduction can impact health (physically and mentally).
“As a social worker, I see symptoms of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) often in clinic – especially being in Newfoundland,” said Stephanie Mercer-Thompson, a social worker with mental health and addiction services.
Typical symptoms of SAD include low energy levels, sadness and social withdrawal. Symptoms can become worse if not treated.
Factors that are likely to contribute to SAD are typically linked to changes in the levels of sunlight that come during fall and winter.
Reduced levels of sunlight can result in serotonin drops, which is a chemical in our brains that affects our mood.
“Light therapy is a relatively inexpensive way to increase exposure to sunlight, during our cold dark winters,” said Mercer-Thompson.
The weather also can negatively impact your body and physical health, which can lead to a negative impact on your mental health.
“A lot of of people that have osteoarthritis find that when the weather is heavier, like when it rains, can cause their joints to become inflamed causing pain,” said Danielle Mercer, a registered massage therapist at Maximus Recovery.
There are connections between physical health and mental. When one is low, the other is low.
“People who experience depression or anxiety will sometimes spend a lot of time at home and possibly lying down,” said Mercer. “Being idle in general can cause your muscles to become hypertonic (tense) due to very little movement.”
Due to the impact the weather has on productivity and our bodies, it would make anyone feel more anxious or depressed, especially students.
Students, particularly college students, are usually under stress with all their work, but the weather makes a bigger impact.
The impact that the weather has on students can vary, whether it be while walking to class or feeling less motivated to participate in class and school work. It starts to greatly affect a student’s mental health.
“Being a MUN student, the weather drastically changes the temperature of the ‘munnels’ (tunnels at Memorial) and classrooms, which can make it really uncomfortable and this can be distracting,” said Kara Dobbin, a third-year bachelor of science student at MUN.
As a student who walks to school, Dobbin says the cold and wet weather makes her feel “down in the dumps,” as opposed to being more productive when the sun is shining and it’s a nice clear day.
“When the weather is nice compared to dreary, I am definitely more productive,” said Dobbin. “It makes me feel more energized compared to the horrible weather that makes me lazy and not want to do anything.”
The sun plays a big role in how the weather affects someone’s mental health.
Nice weather definitely improves a person’s mood and anxiety, but sunlight plays the biggest role of all.
“In one of my social work courses, we’ve had discussions how the sun can boost serotonin in your body,” said Marissa Moyse, a second-year bachelor of social work student at MUN.
Fighting off SAD or just low productivity levels can be a challenge for anyone, especially those who already suffer from anxiety or depression.
“Finding creative ways such as exercise or other self-care, things you like to do for yourself, can help combat the winter blues many people experience,” said Moyse, “because it is so common in today’s society with everything happening in the world. Being able to be aware and reflect on how you feel, I think, is really important.”
It’s important take care of yourself and remember that the weather will improve. What feels like an endless winter will end.
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