During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with final projects, papers and comprehensive tests, some students may find themselves feeling overwhelmed and down. There are multiple situations that could potentially cause stress or depression.
This time of year plays a major role in the happiness of many students. Expectations of good times are normal, but when those expectations aren’t met, depression can result.
If it is cold outside, oftentimes students will choose to stay inside. In doing so, they may not socialize or interact with other people nearly as much as they might otherwise. This isolation can lead to loneliness.
Many students on campus say that the holidays bring with them an expectation of being close to one’s family or spending a great deal of time with loved ones. Some students may not feel a close connection to family or they may not have optimal family relationships.
“Some people might have a hard family situation or not much money and the holidays just make you more aware of that,” said student Chantelle Thompson. “Everyone feels like they’re supposed to be with family on Christmas.”
“It may be difficult for my brother who is stuck up in Logan with just he and his roommate,” said student Colby Keddington.
Many students are living on an extremely tight budget, and as a result do not have the money to travel to see family. Some students on campus admit to feeling lonely around the holidays.
Other students say that they tend to experience a longing for a romantic relationship around the holidays, which can potentially lead to feeling depressed.
“Holidays make people want to be around others,” said student Tiffanie Shoell.
Some students said that they have learned to recognize what problems or situations lead to feeling depressed. Students say that if they recognize a problem early on, it is usually easier to come up with a solution.
“No, I am not depressed,” Thompson said. “I recognize when I start to feel down and I get out and do stuff.”
Some tips students recommend include: taking breaks from homework or study, going to the gym to work out or taking a short trip out of town for a change of scenery. Student Health Services also provide a place where they can go and get help resolving problems.
