As the weather gets colder and the holiday season approaches, excitement fills the air. For many students, winter brings the joys of traveling back home and reveling in moments spent with friends and family. However, for others, the holiday season is a less positive experience.
A vast number of young adults suffer from what is commonly known as the “winter blues,” which can consist of a variety of complicated feelings, including loneliness, fatigue, anxiety and more. The winter blues may heighten around the holiday season specifically affecting people with prior mental health concerns.
For some students, holidays are a time to unwind and relax, release the stresses of school life and spend time with their loved ones. Unfortunately, that is not always the case for everyone. Students with an unstable home life are more prone to feeling discouraged throughout the holiday season.
“Kids who have a hard time at home or have broken families break down around the holidays,” said government junior Addison Hill. “The holidays are supposed to be fun with your family, but when you don’t have that, it’s just a reminder that you don’t. I think that’s why people usually have a hard time.”
Students navigating the difficult emotions that come with being home for the holidays may feel overwhelmed and isolated. However, they are not alone in these feelings. Young adults, specifically Gen-Z, have the highest chance of experiencing holiday despair, with roughly 73% tending to feel down during this time of the year. A lack of motivation, trouble sleeping and feelings of sadness are some of the signs that students should look out for when evaluating their feelings. They should know that their feelings are valid and that there are opportunities to seek support during these potentially challenging times.
“It can feel lonely if you don’t have anyone saying that they’re there for you,” Hill said.
Mental health should not be taken lightly. Students should not push their feelings aside if they are experiencing the effects of winter gloom. Instead, they should find ways to address their emotions and actively seek solutions. Quick fixes may include exercising, reaching out to friends and diverting attention away from the causes of these negative feelings.
Winter blues can sometimes turn into Seasonal Affective Disorder, so students struggling should reach out for help if symptoms worsen. Therapists and mental health professionals are trained to address these issues and help young adults evaluate their feelings, working toward finding long-term solutions.
“Regardless of what a student is experiencing in their life, at the counseling and mental health center, we have a wide variety of resources,” said Katy Redd, the executive director of the Longhorn Wellness Center. “If (students) call the counseling and mental health center, we’ll help them navigate which of our services might be a good fit for them.”
Students should remember that they are not alone in their feelings this holiday season. While exciting for some, this is an adverse time for others, and students should not push their feelings aside just because winter blues are considered the norm. Instead, they should take the initiative to evaluate the resources at UT to help them navigate their feelings.
Petry is a government sophomore from Rowlett, Texas.
