While we’ve nearly made it out of the season of dark days and dwindling temperatures, many students at Concordia University Wisconsin may find themselves struggling with a subtle, yet common condition during the winter months: seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For lots of Falcons, the cold, dark months of winter can bring fatigue, sadness, and withdrawal. These conditions can worsen mental health struggles for students already facing the pressures of academic life.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight and the weather is colder. Symptoms of SAD include low energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, increased appetite, and a general sense of hopelessness. For students who are away from home for the first time, living in a new environment, and managing academics, it can be especially difficult to cope with these changes.
One senior at CUW, explains that the timing of everything going on as winter approaches sort of creates a perfect storm of stress, “Right at the end of the first semester is when the clock changes and we receive less sunlight. Coincidentally, as students, we also have finals around that time. So dealing with all the stress of academics while not having good weather to rely on can be a huge factor on my health”. The anonymous student also explains that despite it being their fourth winter here, it doesn’t get any easier. “I know a lot of people that got used to it and even embraced the no sunlight and cold days, but personally, I find that I am much happier during the longer days opposed to the shorter winter months.”
The Impact of Wisconsin Winters
In Wisconsin, the cold and cloudy winter months can last for what feels like forever. While many students come to CUW from different parts of the country, all must adapt to the harsh conditions of a Wisconsin winter. According to the National Weather Service, Mequon averages 50 inches of snow per year, and the sun only shines for a fraction of the day during the colder months. During the Winter of 2025, the shortest day featured just nine hours of sunlight. These factors can take a toll on students’ mental health, especially for those who may already struggle with anxiety or depression.
The frigid temperatures and decreased sunlight can also contribute to feelings of loneliness. On a campus where many students spend most of their time indoors, social interactions can become less frequent, amplifying the isolation that many students feel. Even the mental energy required to bundle up and go outside can feel overwhelming when battling the fatigue that often accompanies seasonal depression.
Coping Strategies for Students
While dealing with seasonal depression can be brutal, there are strategies that students can use to manage their mental health throughout the winter months.
Get Outside When You Can
- Even on the coldest days, it’s a good idea to try and get some exposure to natural light. Even though it might be cold, try to spend some time outside when the sun is shining. The short bursts of daylight can help to reset the body’s internal clock and provide some relief from the symptoms of SAD.
Exercise Regularly
- Exercise is one of the most effective ways to combat depression, including seasonal depression. Physical activity boosts serotonin levels in the brain, which is a natural mood regulator. For students on campus, the university offers access to an indoor fitness facility, making it easier to stay active even when the weather outside is frigid.
Make Time for Socializing
- One of the most common side effects of seasonal depression is the tendency to withdraw from friends and social activities. However, making a concerted effort to stay socially engaged is important for mental health. CUW offers a variety of student groups and campus events that provide opportunities to connect with peers. Even simple activities like having coffee with a friend or attending a campus club meeting can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Evelyn’s Place
- Here at CUW, we have the first SMART laboratory in the state of Wisconsin. SMART stands for “Stress Management And Resilience Training,” an approach to helping students and others manage their own mental health a little more easily. The original Evelyn’s Place, named in honor of beloved longtime Concordia employee Evelyn Hutchins, opened in 2019. Since then, smaller SMART spaces, dubbed Evelyn’s Corners, have opened in various spots around campus. The space features a quiet setting equipped with massage chairs, study space, beanbags, and weighted blankets. Evelyn’s place can be a great place for students to unwind and give themselves a comfortable reset.
CUW Counseling Center
- The CUW Counseling Center staff is available to provide caring, competent counseling to students, faculty, and staff in a confidential setting whenever you need us. They even have a comfort dog, Zoey, on staff if you need non-human companionship. A lot of times, it can be tough for students to open up about their problems and feelings. The Counseling Center offers a safe space for students to talk about what they’ve been experiencing, and receive advice on what steps to take next.
Finding Light in the Dark
While the winter months in Mequon may be long and challenging, students at CUW are not alone in their struggles with seasonal depression. By staying active, socializing, seeking professional support, and finding ways to embrace natural light, students can successfully manage their mental health throughout the colder months.
As the season progresses, it’s important for students to remember that winter is temporary, and so too are the challenges it brings. By implementing strategies for coping with seasonal depression, students can find moments of brightness, even on the coldest and darkest days.
—Will Sommers is a Graphic Designer and Writer with The Beacon. He is a Senior Mass Communication major graduating in May of 2025 with a minor in sports media.