By Lucia Gabriel and Kayla Edwards

As the cold winter season approaches, many individuals often experience symptoms linked to Seasonal Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). As the school year moves into darker months and students approach long breaks, many notice shifts in their mood, energy, and academic motivation. While these changes are often dismissed as normal stress, research shows that seasonal patterns can play a significant role in students’ mental health and performance in school. 

According to Nemours KidsHealth, “With SAD, a person becomes depressed in fall or winter, when days are shorter and it gets dark earlier. SAD is brought on by the brain’s response to the seasonal changes in daylight.” Individuals who deal with it go through changes in eating habits, having little energy, experience negative thoughts, and have a hard time focusing on school.  

During the winter, students may feel the pressure of their academics and responsibilities more and may lose motivation. Junior, Rilyn Rogers at Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS), said, “In the winter I’m in more of a depressive mood because the weather isn’t as nice and going outside isn’t as enjoyable. These changes can make my life harder because during the winter I’m not as motivated and I have less energy than when it’s summer.” She explained that she lacks the willpower to finish all her schoolwork and has less interactions with her friends because the weather outside is gloomier. Similarly, junior, Lexi Fitzgerald explained that when it is cold outside, she becomes less able to focus on academics because she’s so focused on the weather.  

Many students can agree that the summertime is when they enjoy their lives more. Sophomore, Hannah Hosseini said, “In the summer I feel more energetic and awake, while in the winter, I’m more tired and drained.” She explained that during the winter she has the most tests, so she takes more naps, which takes up her time for studying. Rogers said, “Having no school and being able to go outside whenever I want during the summer makes me happy.” After the school year finishes, students feel that they can relax and recharge.  

Ms. Parker, a science teacher at PVHS, explained that she notices that students become happier when the weather turns warm after the cold months, and some even skip school to go to the beach, but when the weather is dreary outside, they mellow out. She stated, “Their willingness to work decreases after they’ve been working all year, and they’re exhausted.” She explained that it shows in seniors after winter break because some of them have been accepted into the colleges they want to go to.  

Senior, Maddie Dreckman said she notices her motivation decline during the winter months. “My energy definitely decreases during the winter, and I start to lose motivation before a break because I’m just waiting for it to come,” Maddie said. She explained that this lack of motivation often makes it harder to focus on class, leading to procrastination and reduced effort on assignments. 

Research supports this experience. According to a study published through the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), high school students reported lower productivity and motivation during the winter months compared to spring. Researchers noted that decreased daylight, academic pressure, and fatigue all contribute to reduced focus and engagement during this time of year. 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Studies indicate that people with SAD, especially winter-pattern SAD, have reduced levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate mood. Research also suggests that sunlight affects levels of molecules that help maintain normal serotonin levels. Shorter daylight hours may prevent these molecules from functioning properly, contributing to decreased serotonin levels in the winter.” When individuals experience less time in the sunlight, they are exposed to less vitamin D, and as a result their bodies experience less serotonin activity. According to NIMH, “People with winter-pattern SAD produce too much melatonin, which can increase sleepiness and lead to oversleeping.”  

Dreckman said the contrast between before and after a break is noticeable. “Before breaks, I feel exhausted both mentally and academically,” she said. “After breaks, I feel refreshed because I really needed that time off.” Similar patterns have been observed in studies on student burnout, including research from the Journal of Research in Student Retention, which found that many students experience seasonal depressive symptoms that negatively affect academic performance and motivation. 

Teachers also observe changes in students’ stress levels throughout the year. Math teacher at PVHS Mr. Jakobson said he notices increased pressure during major academic periods, particularly leading up to exams. “Typically, around Christmas, students are more stressed,” Mr. Jakobson said, adding that the stress often fades once exams are completed. While he said seasonal depression itself is not commonly seen impacting grades at PVHS, he acknowledged that academic pressure peaks during certain seasons. According to AmLotus International Education, “While winter challenges students with shorter days and lower energy levels, spring brings renewed focus and enthusiasm. By incorporating seasonal study strategies, students can optimize their performance throughout the year.” 

Dreckman said seasonal burnout is not discussed openly enough among students, despite how common it is. She also believes schools could better support students during high-stress periods. “I wish schools understood how much stress and burnout affect our mental health,” she said, suggesting that lighter workloads during particularly demanding seasons could help. 

There are ways to treat SAD and make the darker months less daunting. Research from the American CPR Association suggests that getting more time outside can help balance one’s serotonin and melatonin levels. Physical activity can help by giving off endorphins. This is a natural way to relieve stress and brighten one’s mood. Also, light therapy can help by uplifting one’s mood and energy, especially when used early in the day. 

By combining student experiences with research and teacher observations, it becomes clear that seasonal stress can have a meaningful impact on students’ mental health and academic performance throughout the school year. 

Graphic by Philip Berkwit