Navigating Seasonal Depression as a Student
Hey y’all! It’s been a while since I posted on my blog. I apologize for the wait. It is important for me to share relevant topics and to come from a place of love and education. With my PhD program and being a mom, I found myself being overwhelmed lately.
On Task Achievement continues to grow and educate so many individuals across the globe.! I thank you for the continued support. Most recently, I have brought on a new intern, Paige. She currently is a Journalism Student at the infamous Missouri School of Journalism. She had a moment to reflect on mental health as a student. Please view her first of many pieces below. Feel free to leave a comment and share with a friend!
ONE,
JAZZIE
As the weather cools, stress is heating up for many. An unhealthy stigma is often associated with prioritizing mental health in a time where life may seem incessantly busy. Learning self-care and proper time management are two things that I struggle with, but they are two of the most important. However, I’ve learned over time that asking for help is a courageous act.
While my time of applying to colleges is behind me, checking in with my mental health is something I will always prioritize as a student. For high school students, navigating your college journey can be a challenging new experience. Amid the fall season, the college application process intensifies, with terms like “FAFSA” and “early action” being thrown around. Seasonal depression is real, and grappling with college applications, deadlines, and schoolwork can be especially difficult as an added challenge.
School counselors are an often-underutilized resource that can help high school students prepare for college and plan goals for the future. Talking with a counselor or advisor not only about academic matters but any mental health struggles can be the key to thriving, regardless of where you stand in your academic journey.
It is important to recognize that everybody faces different challenges, and that something that works for one person may not work for another. While the changing weather may not affect everyone, checking in with yourself and realizing what does impact you can be the best way to determine how to change your routine.
Seasonal depression affects people of all age groups and backgrounds. According to Mental Health America, “about 5 percent of the U.S. population experiences seasonal depression.”
I have compiled a few tips that I have personally found to be helpful in combating seasonal depression and other mental health struggles.
Make a Plan: It can seem redundant to sit down and organize your day when life already moves so fast, but it can be useful to see what lies ahead. However, I have found that writing down priorities and assignments for the day in a planner to be focusing. Instead of worrying about many different assignments and stressors, I try to focus on what I have written down and nothing else for the day. Taking even 5 minutes out of your day to plan can prevent burn out and being overwhelmed by the workload.
Practice Self-Care: This is something that I constantly struggle with, and something that can be difficult, but even gradual steps to be kinder to yourself can make all the difference. For example, I write myself small notes with kind and motivational phrases that I then stick in my planner. When I’m looking over the work that I have ahead of me, I can also feel validated and confident that I will be able to get through the day and the rest of the week. There are many ways to practice self-care, whether that is through meditation, planned breaks from schoolwork, or doing something that you enjoy.
Reach out to Others: Whether this is a friend, a family member, or a counselor, connecting with others helps to keep me grounded. Having a support system is crucial, and, as I mentioned earlier, asking for help is courageous. Don’t be afraid to rely on others—internalizing stress often makes it worse. Being someone who is receptive and willing to listen is one of the kindest things a person can do. Going on walks or doing schoolwork with a friend allows you to build a meaningful relationship and focus on something besides anxiety. It can seem scary trying to build relationships with others, but it doesn’t have to be. Even if you just connect over schoolwork, having someone supportive in your circle can help reduce feelings of isolation and stop the flow of overwhelming thoughts.
No matter your age or your schooling experience, tuning into your emotional needs and bringing some extra warmth into your life despite cooler temperatures can be a monumental step towards happiness and embracing your identity.
Written by Paige Gerling
