As the seasons change, the days get shorter and the nights feel longer, leaving many students feeling low. This phenomenon is known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which is a type of depression that becomes more or less severe with the change of the seasons. Although the feeling returns like an old burden, there are many ways to cope with these difficult feelings.

Why do students feel this way, and how does this affect them? Through interviews I have identified some possible causes. One second year student Carys Francis said, “the dark mornings and/nights when you do a 9-5 university course means I basically see no light hours, making me less active and much more tired.” Research into the causes of SAD point towards reduced levels of serotonin, imbalances of melatonin and vitamin D deficiency caused by less exposure to sunlight.

Another third-year student Paulina Filipiak said, “It mostly affects me when it comes to attending university and working on my assessments, though sometimes it can make me isolated from my friends as well. Depression can often prevent us from engaging in everyday life, making us feel worse. Reaching out to friends is often the first step, however overwhelming assignments, dark and cold nights and a stretched bank account can make socialising during the winter a less appealing ordeal.

The tiredness often associated with a rise in melatonin can also make this more exhausting in the short term, despite its long term benefits.

Others may find winter in particular to be a difficult time due to the festive season. With such emphasis on family, joy, happiness and gifts, there can be a lot of pressure to perform festivities and guilt for being a ‘scrooge’.

If Christmas for you lacks a certain movie magic, it can be a bleak reminder.

But like every year, it is temporary, and there are many outlets to manage these feeling as some of these students suggested. Many pointed to distraction techniques, including making time to wind down time after university, as well as talking to friends they suggested watching films, reading, writing, listening to music and walking.

Interestingly, these are all activities that involve staying sober in a university environment which is so heavily steeped in drinking culture.

Another student pointed towards making people aware, such as close friends and family, so that they can support you when you’re feeling low during these cold and dark seasons. Although this vulnerability can be daunting, it will always be worth it, and your close friends will be grateful you trust them with this vulnerability.

During Men’s Mental Health Month (also known as Movember) there is strong advocacy to speak up about your emotions. This applies to everyone, but men in particular can find it difficult to openly express their emotions, but with the wonder of the moustache around campus, we can all find ways to ‘grow out’ the stigma of mental health.

One second year student said her best way to cope is “Vitamin D supplementation. It's essential for everyone in winter but especially those prone to ill mental health.”

If none of these coping mechanisms that work for others seem to work for you, or if you are feeling overwhelmed, there are many resources available to you. Cardiff university holds a wellbeing drop in which must be booked in advance. The appointments can be both in person and over zoom, according to what you prefer.

These dropin sessions can lead to a referral for counselling, or you can self-refer for regular sessions through the student connect portal.

As cliche as it may sound, it reigns true always that you are not alone if you feel this way. Th ere are ways to manage this tough time of year which many people apply to everyday life, and if you need extra support, don't hesitate to reach out to close friends, family, Cardiff University wellbeing team, or a multitude of help lines ready to take your call 24/7 such as: Samaritans: 116 123 NHS 111: press 2 to be put in touch with a mental health worker, free of charge