Reduced daylight hours can be linked with Seasonal Affective Disorder. In November, the sun sets around 5 pm in Calgary's South West. (Iruj Irfan, CMRU.CA)
University students navigate intense schedules, shifting routines, and figuring out life moments. Many of them brush off low moods or lack of energy, yet for some, it could be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), SAD is a type of depression that occurs at the same season each year, most often in fall or winter, and is linked to reduced exposure to sunlight.
What SAD looks like
CAMH notes that the core symptom is “a sad, despairing mood that is present most days and lasts most of the day,” and it lasts more than two weeks, interfering with performance at school, in relationships, or at work. Other depression-type signs include:
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep problems (too much or too little)
- Loss of interest in hobbies or friends
- Fatigue, irritability, trouble concentrating.
The drop in daylight hours may play a role in SAD. Research shows people in northern latitudes have a higher risk of getting it.
Why it matters
When individuals are juggling classes, assignments, a job or side hustle, a part-time social life, and (for many) living away from home, slipping into SAD can quietly drain motivation. As a student, this can manifest as choosing to stay at home instead of attending campus events, skipping workouts, experiencing fluctuations in appetite, or becoming more irritable with friends or housemates. Left unchecked, it can affect grades, relationships and well-being.
Practical steps to stay ahead
- Increase your light exposure. Try to take advantage of daylight by sitting near windows, studying outdoors, or considering the use of a light box (consult with health services first). CAMH singled out light therapy as a primary treatment.
- Keep your routines consistent. Regular sleep, balanced meals (not just comfort food), moderate exercise – all help regulate your body clock and mood.
- Stay socially connected and active. It’s tempting to hibernate when the sky’s grey and daylight’s short, but maintaining social and physical engagement is protective.
- Reach out early. Notice the pattern – if each year during fall/winter, things feel down and there is less ability to function, that’s a red flag. CAMH emphasizes that treatment can help.
Individuals who, every year around November‐December, start feeling “off” and by March, start getting back to normal, might be dealing with more than the usual end-of-term fatigue. Recognizing the pattern is the first step – don’t wait until it becomes major. With minor adjustments to light, routine, and self-care, students can remain more resilient during the darker months.
Comments