Bella Patton, Campus Carrier features editor

Ava Jarrell, Campus Carrier asst. features editor

The second semester of college always presents unique challenges. After the month-long holiday break, many students are both excited and nervous to get back to campus. Between catching up with friends, meeting up with past professors and going back to their everyday life at Berry, the spring has much to offer. 

However, the beginning of spring semester also comes with shorter days, less sunlight and fewer opportunities to be outside in the cold weather. The wildlife and nature that Berry is famous for is also less lively and green than in summer months. Most of the leaves have fallen to the ground, the grass is largely frosted over and there are fewer bright flowers around campus. Students have to spend much of their time indoors, while social interactions, valuable time in the sun and physical activity can all decrease. These factors can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), commonly called seasonal depression, which makes this time of year especially difficult for students. 

Since SAD can affect a wide variety of students, many professors are aware of its effects during the spring semester. One of these professors, Kuo Deng, is an assistant professor in the psychology department at Berry and a licensed counseling psychologist. Having worked with students, she has first-hand experience with SAD and the effects it can have. 

“I think sometimes students don’t realize the external factors that are impacting them,” Deng said. “The cold weather, the gloomy days and then the switch of the norms back to school, they blame it on themselves, right? Especially when you compare yourself to other students who seem to be on top of everything.” 

Deng highlighted that this comparison could have a negative impact on students and their already declining mental health during this time of year. However, Deng also added that college is a great time for students to begin learning about themselves and what factors during this time of year contribute the most to their stress and SAD. By paying attention to these factors, Deng said that a student can learn their triggers, what tends to worsen their depressive episodes and when the student thinks they have exited them. Observing this cycle can tell a student how long they tend to be in relapse and what strategies could be best for managing their mental health. 

“Knowing yourself, having a toolkit near you that you can pull, whether it’s activities you like, people you can talk to or places you can be that’s recharging and meaningful for you, when you’re feeling internally empty, you can pull those tools yourself,” Deng said.

Deng mentioned ways students can find the best resources to manage their mental health and SAD. Depending on what stressors affect them the most, Berry has many community opportunities and resources to help students work through the condition. 

 “Externally, I think it’s important to know what’s your support network, right?” Deng said, “People who will understand my depression and people who will not judge me by calling me lazy. Also, knowing faculty members who care about you, who are going to be there for you when you maybe need a little bit of extended deadlines or allowing you to make up an assignment. And probably most importantly, your mental health resources, like our counseling center, for example. If you feel like you are actually experiencing depression, seeking professional help is the best route to take.” 

Deng also explained the common misconception that SAD is only a winter condition. SAD can affect those who have body image issues in the summer and is not a separate diagnosis from depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

May Khateeb, a master’s student at Kennesaw State University and an intern at the Berry Counseling Center, highlighted the role peers and professors have in supporting students during spells of SAD. Signs like general fatigue, abnormal cravings— especially of carb-heavy foods— and lost concentration can be preliminary indicators of the condition. Feeling “disconnected” or “numb” can also be a sign. Khateeb explained that once the symptoms are noticed, there are a few simple but effective coping strategies. 

“I would say big ones starting off would definitely be having light exposure,” Khateeb said. “It sounds like a very simple one, but it can be really helpful. That can be as simple as, for instance, spending some time outside before noon or even when you’re in the library, in class, or in the residency halls, sitting by a window, just so you’re still getting sunlight exposure.” 

While the winter months have shorter days, Khateeb revealed an easy work-around.

“It also can be really helpful to, if possible, if a student either has one or wants to get one, to have a 10,000-lux light therapy lamp, and spending 20 to 30 minutes in the morning with one.”

Incorporating exercise, creating routines and an overall focus on consistency can regulate symptoms more than simply trying to muscle through and pull oneself out of the depression. Additionally, while it may seem counterintuitive to sleep less, Khateeb explains the importance of creating a consistent sleep schedule when dealing with SAD. 

“Make sure that you’re waking up at the same time every day, even on the weekends, because when you don’t, you either oversleep or think, ‘Oh, it’s going be comforting for me to sleep longer.’” Khateeb said. “You’re actually throwing off your circadian rhythm, and it’s fueling the seasonal  affective disorder.”

Khateeb also emphasized the importance of staying connected, whether it be with a study group, job, faith organization or campus event. A weekly commitment can be a great way to keep routine, be part of a community and enjoy the help of others. One such resource is the Counseling Center. Through the steps of calling to schedule an appointment, taking an initial diagnostic assessment and getting paired with a counselor like Khateeb, a student can find the support and space they need to mitigate their mental health symptoms. 

Appointments with the Counseling Center can be made by calling (706) 236-2259 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.