As colder seasons approach, motivation tends to lessen and days feel longer and more challenging. The winter seasons bring much more than just the change of weather; student incentives drop as well as heightened stress among midterms and wrapping up coursework for the year. With students succumbing to these winter struggles, the loss of motivation trickles into everyday life.
Vivi Cilano ‘26 is one of the many students experiencing these struggles in both school and her everyday life. Among the AP classes she takes and extracurriculars, juggling responsibilities becomes tricky as the winter season comes into full swing.
“Seasonal depression affects my motivation every day, even with small things like waking up for school,” Cilano said. “It builds over time and puts a weight on my shoulders when I try to continue pushing through the harder months.”
For many, this is an all-year toll, but the winter months specifically add pressure onto students due to testing and finishing assignments.
“I think for before breaks especially, it can be really hard to stay focused when I am looking forward to having some time off,” Cilano said. “Especially though after midterms, it is hard to stay motivated when it’s always dark out, and I am constantly looking towards my next day off.”
While this does take a mental toll on many, it does not affect all students. Nate Yeamans ‘27 has found that he has built habits to help tackle seasonal depression before it can affect him. Even so, he explains that while he has seen it deteriorate the motivation of his peers, he himself is able to stay driven.
“For me, a lot of it comes down to habits I have made previously through the years,” Yeamans said. “Even when it does get tough with staying consistent before break, I make sure to always stay ahead of my work so I don’t fall behind.”
Many faculty members notice this change amongst students, including current Vice Principal Katie Parent, who recognizes these concerns as more than just a loss of motivation.
“Seasonal affective disorder is a mental health condition where people experience depressive symptoms specifically during times of the year when daylight is not as long,” Parent said.
Parent describes that this condition is silent; it is hard to notice among both students and faculty. It can affect anybody’s health both physically and mentally among all aspects of daily life. While there are ways to combat this battle, seasonal depression lies in the changing seasons.
“The lack of daylight takes a toll on people’s emotional wellness because there’s not as many opportunities to go out and do things, where as in the summer you can be outdoors enjoying yourself,” Parent said.
