{"id":319,"date":"2024-01-24T12:53:51","date_gmt":"2024-01-24T17:53:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/?p=319"},"modified":"2026-01-20T15:54:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:54:06","slug":"got-the-winter-blues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/2024\/01\/got-the-winter-blues\/","title":{"rendered":"Got the &#8220;Winter Blues?&#8221;"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Feeling down, low energy, or lacking motivation? It might be the \u201cwinter blues.\u201d Known clinically as <em>Seasonal Affective Disorder<\/em> or more commonly as the \u201c<em>winter blues,\u201d <\/em>this disorder&#8217;s symptoms can range from mild to severe. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.collinsdictionary.com\/dictionary\/english\/winter-blues#:~:text=winter%20blues%20in%20British%20English,cold%20and%20darkness%20of%20winter\">CollinsDictionary.com<\/a>, \u201cwinter blues\u201d can be a feeling of depression or unhappiness associated with the cold and darkness of winter. None of us are immune to the impact that changes in weather can have on our mental health.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:40% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/student-alone-phone.jpg\" alt=\"A student sitting alone; looking at her phone.\" class=\"wp-image-339 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/student-alone-phone.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/student-alone-phone-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/student-alone-phone-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The winter blues can cast a shadow over your college experience, particularly as the colder months set in. As the days shorten and the sunlight diminishes, you may have a dip in mood and energy levels. Academic stress, social pressures, and gray skies can make you feel lethargic and anti-social. It\u2019s helpful to recognize the signs of winter blues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Winter blues symptoms may include but are not limited to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\">Feeling down<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\">Low energy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\">Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\">Changes in sleep patterns (i.e., sleeping more or less than usual)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\">Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\">Having thoughts of not wanting to live.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:40% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/student-counseling-svc-therapy.jpg\" alt=\"A student meeting attending a counseling session with Claire Ruberg, Miami University Regionals Senior Director of Clinical Services.\" class=\"wp-image-347 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/student-counseling-svc-therapy.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/student-counseling-svc-therapy-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/student-counseling-svc-therapy-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Depending on the level of your symptoms, it might be beneficial to meet with your doctor or <a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/regionals\/student-resources\/counseling-services\/index.html\">Miami Regionals Student Counseling Services<\/a> to get some professional insight. Clinical treatments could include therapy or medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><em><strong>Note \u2013 Medication should only be prescribed and used under the care of a licensed professional.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Reduced exposure to natural light can impact circadian rhythms and disrupt sleep patterns, exacerbating feelings of fatigue and discouragement. You juggle coursework, exams, and social engagements and may find it challenging to prioritize self-care during this season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Here are some ways to counteract the winter blues:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\">Stay active&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\">Seek social connections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\">Incorporate small joys into daily routines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\">Foster resilience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\">Maintain a positive mindset.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Read on to learn why your mental health is essential and resources that may help you and your peers thrive during the winter months or at any time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:40% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/messages-of-hope.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-344 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/messages-of-hope.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/messages-of-hope-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/messages-of-hope-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#c41230\">Why is mental health important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cYour mental health is important because it affects how you think, feel, and act,&#8221; says the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mentalhealth\/learn\/index.htm#:~:text=Mental%20health%20includes%20our%20emotional,others%2C%20and%20make%20healthy%20choices.&amp;text=Mental%20health%20is%20important%20at,childhood%20and%20adolescence%20through%20adulthood.\">Centers for Disease Control<\/a>. It also helps determine how you handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. College life often comes with academic pressure, social challenges, and transitional stress, which can negatively impact your mental well-being. Neglecting mental health during this critical period can lead to burnout and a higher risk of developing mental health disorders. Prioritizing your mental health can set the foundation for long-term well-being, preparing you for the future.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#c41230\">Why should you take a mental health day?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">A mental health day is a break from school, work, and other responsibilities to \u201crecharge\u201d and rejuvenate your mind and body. Mental health days provide an opportunity to rest, reflect, and address emotional needs. Communicate to your professors, supervisors, or teachers if you think you will miss a significant amount of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#c41230\">Balancing college and mental health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Balancing college and mental health is critical to the overall well-being of students like you. College often presents numerous challenges. Maintaining a healthy equilibrium between academic responsibilities and mental health is essential for academic success and personal development. Build a support system. Establish connections with peers, family, and friends. Do not overlook self-care. Taking breaks, getting adequate sleep, exercising, or participating in mindfulness or relaxation techniques are vital for maintaining mental health. You can access mindfulness exercises anywhere, from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/app-store\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/app-store\/\">App Store<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/\">YouTube<\/a>, or try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/4-7-8-breathing\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/4-7-8-breathing\">breathing exercises<\/a>. Recognizing the signs of stress or mental health challenges is crucial. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psichi.org\/page\/263EyeSpring22Stolberg#:~:text=Look%20at%20your%20schedule%20and,%2C%20socializing%2C%20or%20simply%20relaxing\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.psichi.org\/page\/263EyeSpring22Stolberg#:~:text=Look%20at%20your%20schedule%20and,%2C%20socializing%2C%20or%20simply%20relaxing\">PsiChi.org<\/a> offers additional information about balancing mental health and student needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:40% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/study-by-window-winter-blues.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-354 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/study-by-window-winter-blues.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/study-by-window-winter-blues-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/files\/2024\/01\/study-by-window-winter-blues-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#c41230\">Why prioritize mental health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Prioritizing your mental health is an ongoing journey that requires attention, compassion, and intentional self-care. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and the Miami community is ready to support you. You may feel uncomfortable reaching out to a professional or may not think your symptoms are severe enough to warrant counseling services. The great news is that there are things that you can do right now that can have a positive influence on combating the winter blues. The first step is to make sure that you are maintaining good self-care. While you may roll your eyes at going back to basics, they matter for a reason. Make sure you are maintaining good sleeping, eating, and activity habits. Do your best to maximize your exposure to natural light when available. In the winter, this could mean doing your homework next to a window or sitting in your car while on your lunch break on sunny days. These habits may be overwhelming to add to your already hectic schedule, but the work you put into maintaining your mental health will benefit you in the long run.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#c41230\">Mental health resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Miami Regionals has faculty and staff available at your fingertips, ready to help you with whatever you need. Consider bookmarking these resources or adding them to the contacts in your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#666666\">Regionals Student Counseling Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/regionals\/student-resources\/counseling-services\/index.html\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/regionals\/student-resources\/counseling-services\/index.html\">Regionals Student Counseling Services<\/a> provides no-cost mental health therapy to any student at Miami University Regionals. They offer in-person and virtual appointments on the Hamilton and Middletown campuses. To schedule an appointment, please call 513-727-3431 or stop by their office locations in Hamilton (Rentschler 130) or Middletown (Johnston 001).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#666666\">H.O.P.E. line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/regionals\/student-resources\/counseling-services\/hope-line.html\">The H.O.P.E. (Help Over the Phone Everywhere) line<\/a> is available 24\/7 for students to call for immediate support, crisis intervention, and stabilization from a licensed mental health counselor. The H.O.P.E. Line is not an answering service but rather an extension of university services for callers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-medium-font-size\" style=\"background-color:#efd872\"><strong>The H.O.P.E. Line phone number is 855-249-5649.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#666666\">Student of Concern Form<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">If you\u2019re a Miami student concerned about a friend or peer\u2019s mental health, the <a href=\"https:\/\/cm.maxient.com\/reportingform.php?MiamiUniv&amp;layout_id=63\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/cm.maxient.com\/reportingform.php?MiamiUniv&amp;layout_id=63\">\u201cstudent of concern\u201d form<\/a> notifies the Miami University CARE team to support the student in need. Fill out and submit this brief form if you\u2019re unsure how to help someone who is not in an immediate crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" style=\"color:#666666\">988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">If you or someone you know is in crisis, don&#8217;t hesitate to contact the<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/988lifeline.org\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/988lifeline.org\/\">Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988<\/a><\/strong>. This helpline provides free and confidential support 24\/7. Your mental health matters and hope and help are available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Let\u2019s challenge misconceptions about mental health and aim to foster a world that genuinely embraces empathy and support. <strong>The only way out is through.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#edece2\">Miami University Regionals E-Campus thanks and acknowledges <strong>Grace Osterberger<\/strong> for compiling and writing the content of this blog. Grace is a first-year student studying Applied Biology. She plans to further her career as a safety manager upon completing her degree. E-Campus also thanks <strong>Miami University Regionals Student Counseling Services<\/strong> for providing additional resources and content. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Feeling down, low energy, or lacking motivation? It might be the \u201cwinter blues.\u201d Known clinically as Seasonal Affective Disorder or more commonly as the \u201cwinter [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6584,"featured_media":320,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_s2mail":"yes","footnotes":""},"categories":[48,6,47],"tags":[14,28],"class_list":["post-319","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-health","category-tips-tricks","category-well-being","tag-mental-health","tag-student-advice"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/319","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6584"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=319"}],"version-history":[{"count":55,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/319\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1982,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/319\/revisions\/1982"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/320"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=319"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=319"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/miami-regionals-e-campus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=319"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}