Are Tallahassee’s cool winds and cold breezes putting “clouds” over the heads of students?
Weather can impact mental health, and Tallahassee has been experiencing a spate of bitter, cold days.
Last week, the Tallahassee area had a low of 24 degrees on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
“The winter season is known for the absence of daylight savings time, which is correlated with reduced sunlight, potentially causing a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression. The cold weather as well as the darkness in the winter seasons can cause people to avoid activities that were once fulfilling for them,” according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
The Office of Counseling Services at FAMU, which is located in the CASS Building and offers in-person and virtual counseling services from 8-4. The office is partnered with BettrMynd, a virtual platform for students to see a therapist after hours and on weekends.
Alicia Jackson, coordinator of clinical programs at the OCS, explained seasonal affective disorder, more commonly known as “seasonal depression,” and listed the following symptoms.
For winter-pattern SAD, symptoms can include:
- Oversleeping (hypersomnia)
- Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain
- Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)
For summer-pattern SAD, symptoms can include:
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Poor appetite, leading to weight loss
- Restlessness and agitation
- Anxiety
- Violent or aggressive behavior
Five FAMU students share their experiences with Tallahassee’s weather and their mental health.
“Personally, I like rainy days because they are a lot cozier than summer days, but they do make it harder to be productive. As opposed to a sunny day, where I want to go outside and be in the weather,” said, Rachel Duncan, a fourth year biology pre-med student.
Quamari Phillips, a third year psychology student, said her anxiety and eagerness to attend class are connected to the weather.
“Down here with hurricanes because I’m not used to having those back home. It gives me stress and anxiety. Also, being at home, snow storms and blizzards, those make me anxious. This semester I have a class that is at 8 a.m. and it’s hard to find the strength to go to class.” said Phillips.
David Thomas, a second year pre-nursing major, says the winter months are the worst.
“When it’s cold, more cloudy, and less sunlight, I definitely can sometimes catch myself feeling less enthusiastic or cheerful during the day,” Thomas, a second year pre-nursing major.
Idrianna Bowleg, a third year fine arts major at FAMU, said, “When I know that it is going to be sunny outside after class, it’s more exciting to be outside and to enjoy the walk to class. If it’s raining, I’m not going to be excited to go.”
“I usually have less patience when it’s super cold outside, versus it being a nice sunny day outside, I am more inclined to talk more, be outside more”, said Reginald Brown, a fourth year business administration student.
The OCS extends its office’s assistance to students and can be reached directly at 850-599-3145. They also have a 24/7 hour, 365 days a year crisis number, 844-287-6963. According to weather.com, Tallahassee is expected to experience low 30s and 60s for the remainder of the month.