As the winter season and finals are around the corner throughout the month of January, some students at Camas High School (CHS) are learning to deal with the seasonal depression that seems to haunt them during the colder months. 

Although only about 3% of the general population of the United States experience seasonal depression, Counselor Kirin Casteel mentions that this is not the case for those who live in the Pacific Northwest. 

“People who live [in the Pacific Northwest] are affected by seasonal depression at a higher rate because the weather here is gloomy throughout the year, especially during winter,” Counselor Kirin Casteel said.

For high school students specifically, Casteel said, “[CHS counselors] generally see an influx of students coming in for support towards the end of January as they are stressed and worried about their grades as finals come up and the semester comes to an end.” 

Senior Kelsey Osmus said, “Something that I have found to help keep my mood up during finals season and winter, in general, is a happy lamp, which is a lamp that mimics sunlight. It just stays on my desk while I study for finals.”

“Taking good care of yourself physically, like getting outside when it is warmer and taking vitamins, especially vitamin D, can also help improve mental health tremendously,” Casteel said.

Several students at CHS also believe that the weather has an effect on the moods of a person. 

“Personally, I am definitely more productive when it is sunny outside,” senior Anisa Akhtarkhavari said, “I associate gloomy weather and the fact that it gets dark with being unproductive, which is definitely a problem as finals approach.” 

Although students may seem unmotivated to study for finals and resort to cramming the night before as a result of the weather and additional stress, a healthy mental and academic routine is necessary in order to succeed. 

“With finals, it is important to study in increments instead of pulling all-nighters, which helps ensure that your study schedule and sleep schedule will set you up for success,” Casteel said. 

“Using a planner to plan out your study schedule also helps,” Osmus said.

“Focusing on the goals I want to achieve by giving myself rewards like going out to eat or spending time with friends helps keep me motivated during this stressful month,” Akhtarkhavari said. 

As Casteel reminds us, “Whether you’re feeling down because of the weather, finals, or both, we all need rewards to get through things that we don’t want to do.”