Simple ways students can overcome symptoms of S.A.D.

By: Leia Ali

While the word “sad,” as you may know, is associated with an emotion that evokes feelings of unhappiness, did you know that there is also “S.A.D.”? As we approach the end of the year and the winter season, we can expect many different mood changes, especially as a newcomer to Canada! As an international student from the warm islands of the Caribbean, I still find it difficult to adjust to the weather, but slowly and surely I have found many useful resources provided by Sheridan College that have helped me along the way. To touch base more on “S.A.D.” and what it really is, it stands for “Seasonal Affective Disorder” and is a type of depression that is typically present during the Fall and Winter seasons. Some believe that S.A.D. occurs due to the sudden change in daylight, when it gets darker quickly, the days seem shorter, and the temperatures are dropping rapidly. This may trigger a chemical change in the brain and lead to symptoms such as social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy, and anxiety. You may also find yourself lacking energy, feeling increasingly fatigued, having difficulty concentrating, or changing your sleep patterns, such as oversleeping or insomnia. These are just a few of the common symptoms of S.A.D.

Now before you get worried reading this, it is always important to remember that you are not alone! There are many resources available to you on campus that can help give you tools to cope with feelings of being sad or depressed. When I feel lonely, I try to think of what social opportunities are available on campus and also what student discounts I have access to! The Sheridan Student Union has a wide range of clubs, which have helped me create many of my current, long-lasting friendships. I found clubs that resonated with me. The Crusty Club was very interactive, Black Students Association Club (BSA) made me feel like I was at home, and the Creative Writing Corner gave me the chance to express how I feel, pen to paper. There are many clubs to choose from, and you can also create your own if you’re looking for something specific. Plus, there are events year-round both on-campus and off-campus that really help to push me out of a grumpy mood. There are lots of activities to get involved in, so make sure to connect with someone who can tell you more about them!

Another thing that comes up during this time of year is the task of staying in shape, especially when there are food-centric holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. As a huge foodie, I look forward to eating a lot during this time of year, but it’s hard to stay consistent with both healthy eating and staying active. So, while weight gain is common during this time of year, it is important to recognize how it is something that can affect confidence and self-esteem. I manage my physical health through exercise, which helps me stay fit and feeling healthy. When it comes to eating healthy, I do research on healthy meals, nutrients, vitamins, and supplements that would benefit me such as Vitamin D (especially in the winter with the absence of the sun). For mental health, I listen to music and dance in my room.

Seasonal Affective Disorder takes a toll on daily life, which can affect how you perform in school and create setbacks. Communicating with your professors is key during this time, as well as reaching out for assistance with catching up with studies–there are tutoring services that can help! Along with the tips mentioned before regarding finding ways to keep fit, eat healthy, and seek professional support, we must also consider mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Many people discuss the importance of meditation as well as deep breathing exercises that allow for a calmer mind, help mitigate stress, and improve overall well-being. Sometimes activities such as painting and pottery can help to calm the mind as well! One of my favourite on-campus events that I look out for is “Therapy Dogs.” If you like dogs and need time to destress and be surrounded by puppy love, make sure to look out for this event. It usually comes around after exam season, when we all need to decompress.

Overall, as the days get chillier, it’s essential to be aware of the potential impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder on your mental health and well-being. By understanding the symptoms, exploring effective treatments, using available on-campus resources, and incorporating lifestyle strategies, students can take proactive steps to manage S.A.D. One thing you can do is look at the winter season as an opportunity to take advantage of outdoor seasonal activities. Make sure you’re all bundled up before you find a group of friends to go ice skating, tobogganing, skiing, or snowboarding with. There are lots of activities to choose from, so as the season unfolds, let’s embrace the opportunity to prioritize self-care, cultivate connections and find joy in the small moments that make winter uniquely beautiful. Together, we can face the winter blues with resilience and a renewed sense of hope.

When it comes to student success, we believe that health and wellness go hand-in-hand.

That’s why the Sheridan Student Union encourages students to maintain their well-being, as it has a huge impact on one’s ability to succeed. If you or a friend require access to professional mental health and wellness support, check out Empower Me and make your #SheridanLife a great one.

While this blog covers physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness, there are many more! If you’re looking to make the most of your student experience, check out our tips and tricks for all eight dimensions of wellness.

Leia hosted a Snow and Tell event for international students to learn important information about surviving the Canadian winter. Take a look at the Snow and Tell presentation now.