Learn about the disorder and how to cope with it.
Written by Julia Lastic

What is seasonal depression?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), more commonly known as seasonal depression, is a type of depression that arises during the fall and winter seasons. January is the prime time for seasonal depression because the holidays are over, the outside looks colorless and grey, it gets dark at 5 p.m. and the weather is unbearably cold. It is extremely common for people to feel low during these times. Therefore, it is important to understand what seasonal depression is and what you can do about it.
What are the signs of seasonal depression?
“If someone has major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns, they experience the same symptoms as major depression disorder, however, their symptoms occur mainly at certain times of the year,” Brittany Sommers, the director of the Cleveland State University (CSU) Counseling Center, said.
According to Sommers, who has a doctorate in counseling psychology, depression can show up in a lot of ways, but the most common symptoms include:
Fatigue
Sadness
Hopelessness
Feelings of worthlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of suicide
Having reduced interest in activities you would typically enjoy
What are some coping strategies to help with seasonal depression?
After extensive research on health news websites and an interview with Sommers, I gathered some self-remedies that you could do to help decrease your seasonal depression. Some of the most common strategies include:
Exercising
Eating healthy
Surrounding yourself with supportive family and friends
Participate in activities you enjoy (reading, going to a movie, etc.)
Getting some fresh air
Add vitamin D to your diet
Practicing gratitude
Practicing mindfulness
What’s it like dealing with SAD as a student?
Emily Ginley, a senior at CSU, experiences seasonal depression. There are many different ways to suffer from seasonal depression, but Ginley’s experience with SAD is through constant exhaustion and lack of motivation. Due to these symptoms, her biggest struggle is completing homework assignments during the winter.
“Attending class is easy because you can just sit there," Ginley said. “But my free time is my time to rot (as in languish), so it's hard to do assignments.”
Ginley has been dealing with SAD for several years and learned to cope by completing one small task at a time such as brushing her teeth and making her bed. This is a great coping mechanism because it gives her a sense of accomplishment and productivity.
Where to get professional help for seasonal depression?
If you or someone you know is experiencing seasonal depression, the CSU Counseling Center is always available for you! They are open for both telehealth and in-person services. The CSU Counseling Center is located in the Union Building, 1836 Euclid Ave. The office on the second floor in room 220 above Rascal House.
To get connected with the counseling center you can:
Walk in during office hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday)
Call the office at 216-687-2277
Schedule an appointment through https://csuohio.titaniumhwc.com/
The CSU Counseling Center provides great resources, support and encouragement. They provide many mental health services to fit your needs such as psychiatry, crisis case management, individual counseling and group counseling. Counseling is FREE for students and psychiatry consultation is a small charge. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to enhance your mental health at the CSU Counseling Center.