You see the lights, the wreaths, the Christmas trees, and the presents, but something inside you feels different. You feel trapped, with nowhere to go. With friends and family, you put on a face, but when you’re alone, you feel completely alone.
Seasonal depression creeps in like a thief in the night. Someone experiencing seasonal depression often feels hopeless, and everything is pointless. It may seem like there is no help available; however, there are quite a few resources available for students here at Culver-Stockton College.
First, let’s start by explaining exactly what seasonal depression is. The proper definition is “Major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns,” according to Jill Miller. It’s depression that occurs during the winter months. Jill Miller, who is the Director of Counseling and Wellness, stated that “The weather is a marked pattern of seasonal depression.”
There are a plethora of reasons for a person to be experiencing depression during the holiday season; one huge factor influencing behavior is the weather. The months of December, January, and February are the coldest months of the year. Typically associated with cloudy conditions and minimal sunlight. This can lead to Vitamin D deficiency, which can cause serious health issues such as depression, bone loss, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
“However, vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide. For example, nearly 42% of adults in the United States have a vitamin D deficiency,” according to the National Library of Medicine.
Another reason someone could be experiencing seasonal depression is because of family, or a lack of family to spend the holiday season with. It can be difficult to enjoy the season of giving without having someone to share it with. Freshmen experience it the hardest because it is their first year away from home, and they have to adjust to being on their own while at college. “It’s important to reach out to friends, get a buddy to help push you and get you out of your room,” said Miller. She mentioned that it is crucial to set goals for yourself during the winter months and to stick to them. Making an effort to complete those goals, no matter how big or small, can be huge.
Here at Culver-Stockton, there are a variety of resources available for students to use. One of these includes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This aims to help those struggling with any form of addiction and mental health issues. Campus safety is always available for urgent situations. If you or someone you know needs help, whether mental or physical, please call campus safety at (217) 440-6394.
Missy Dubuque, who is Culver-Stockton’s Title IX coordinator, is another resource available to all students. Title IX covers anything on discrimination based on sex. Some examples that would fall under Title IX include sexual harassment, disqualifying someone based solely on sex, or denying aid services based on sex. If you or someone you know
Resident Assistants (RA) and Resident Directors (RD) are always available even in the late hours of the night. They have been trained to handle mental health issues and roommate mediation. RAs and RDs are mandated reporters, which means they are obligated to inform campus safety or student life of any issues discussed with residents.
One of the most important people to talk to if experiencing any suicidal thoughts, depression, or just needing someone to talk to is Miller. Her office doors are “always open unless I’m helping other students.”
When asked for some wise words for those who are experiencing major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns, Miller said, “It will pass, try not to think about it like that. It’s not forever, it will pass eventually, even if it feels like it won’t.”
To get in contact with Miller, don’t be afraid to reach out and email her at jmiller@culver.edu. You can also schedule a meeting with Miller through the Wildcats Connect app under the “Wellness and Resources” tab in the menu section.
This holiday season, look for the light wildcats; it’s always there, even if you can’t see it. Embrace loved ones, set goals, make steps to achieve those goals, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to tell someone if you are struggling; help is always available. Merry Christmas, Wildcats, and a Happy New Year.
