The college experience comes with academic pressure, social shifts and the emotional weight of independence. But for many students, an often-overlooked factor can deepen those challenges: the effect of seasonal changes on mental health. 

At Wayne State College, both counselors and faculty members have observed patterns of mood and energy shifts in students that align with the colder, darker months of the year. These symptoms are commonly associated with seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, a form of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, most often in late fall and winter. 

Tabetha Waggoner-Drees, a licensed campus counselor at Wayne State, said the pattern is familiar. 

“I have noticed a pattern in the time that I have been here,” she said. “There are some changes that students might experience when winter comes around.” 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, seasonal affective disorder affects about 5% of adults in the U.S., with symptoms lasting roughly 40% of the year. College students are especially vulnerable. A 2021 study published in the Journal of American College Health found that up to 35% of students surveyed reported depressive symptoms worsening during fall and winter. 

At Wayne State, the symptoms often start to surface during the fall midterm season and can intensify through finals. 

“It seems to be around midterm break in the fall and then really amps up as finals approach, continuing until about April, sometimes even to the end of the academic year,” Waggoner-Drees said.  

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health conversations on campus have become more common. Waggoner-Drees said she has seen a reduction in the stigma surrounding mental health services. 

“I think conversations have continued to grow in acceptance, with people seeking help and decreasing that stigma,” she said. 

However, she noted that acceptance still varies depending on cultural backgrounds and personal experiences. 

“There are groups of people very open to accepting a diagnosis, and there are some cultures that aren’t,” she said. “I don’t think the seasonal aspect necessarily changes that.” 

Seasonal depression at Wayne State does not affect just one type of student. 

“There does not seem to be one specific population that stands out,” Waggoner-Drees said. “SAD doesn’t discriminate.” 

The college offers a range of resources to support students, including services from Cat PAC, the student activities board. 

“Cat PAC provides mental health activities particularly around finals, midterms and during winter months,” Waggoner-Drees said. “These activities help students learn about mental health and connect with others, which is crucial for managing SAD.” 

Wayne State’s counseling center encourages students to take proactive measures early, such as staying socially connected, maintaining physical health, and establishing consistent sleep routines. 

“Making sure you’re connected with other people through clubs, activities or regular hangouts is essential,” Waggoner-Drees said. “Ensuring physical health is in check and maintaining proper sleep habits can significantly help.” 

Although the campus does not currently offer light therapy equipment, Waggoner-Drees recommended easy, affordable steps. 

“If students can’t afford light boxes, opening blinds and curtains first thing in the morning to get as much natural light as possible can be beneficial,” she said. 

Faculty members also observe the seasonal shifts among students, even if less formally. Pat Janssen, mass communications lecturer and KWSC TV adviser, said he notices changes in student motivation during certain times of the year, though he attributes it to a mix of pressures. 

“I don’t think it’s specific to Wayne State or the college environment,” Janssen said. “People get stressed during certain points of the year. It could be the weather, family expectations, or academic pressures.” 

Janssen said he approaches the seasons with an open mindset rather than anticipating struggles. 

“It’s just important for us to roll with things,” he said. “Everybody across a variety of roles will have challenges within their lives.” 

While Janssen said he personally has not noticed seasonal changes affecting his own motivation, he acknowledged that his work environment allows for more flexibility compared to his previous career in fast-paced news media. 

“The college environment allows a little more flexibility to respond to those things,” he said. “It’s easier to monitor your mental health here compared to working breaking news.” 

Janssen encourages students to share personal experiences through their media projects or creative work. 

“If there’s a topic that either interests you or concerns you, that’s the media to make,” he said. “If you’re thinking about it, somebody else is thinking about it.” 

He emphasized that authenticity in storytelling—whether through journalism, broadcasting or artistic expression—helps foster connection and resilience. 

“Sharing who you are through your work will always be important,” Janssen said. 

Wayne State College continues to build a campus culture that supports student mental health. From counseling services to student organizations and faculty who foster open conversations, multiple layers of support help students feel seen and valued. 

“It’s essential for students to recognize SAD as a real and treatable condition,” Waggoner-Drees said. 

With access to resources, community connection and early intervention, students are better equipped to manage mental health challenges and thrive regardless of the season.  

Cutline: The entrance to Wayne State College’s Student Health and Counseling Center offers resources and support for students navigating mental health challenges, including seasonal depression.