Changing of the Seasons
Fall is now in full swing. The leaves are turning to all the beautiful shades of red, gold, and orange, apple orchards are full of people, and the weather has finally turned cold after a long period of trying to make up its mind. Crisp wind and the excitement of Halloween whirl through the air. Midterms are almost over. So why do so many of us feel so defeated? Why do we feel as if someone has squashed all the excitement and energy out of our bodies?
Mental Illness Awareness week has just ended, but it is important that we keep it in mind so that we can better support each other. For many people, the onset of fall comes with an onset of seasonal depression, as well as worsening symptoms of regular depression and other mental illnesses. There is no shame in feeling this way, and if you feel alone you are certainly not: in fact, reports state that there has been a considerable increase in visits to PSU’s own Counseling Center. It is a communal feeling, however, there is also validity in feeling alone, dreary, weary, or all three (and more).
There are many ways of handling these feelings, each with its own benefits and ways that it can fit into people’s lives. Finding solace in family, friends, or partners allows you to open up about feelings and help them understand what you’re going through, strengthening these connections. Of course, if you would rather open up to someone who has been professionally trained to help you work through any emotions you might have, there is also the campus counseling service: the Counseling Center (the house across from Hyde Hall) is open Monday-Tuesday 8am-7pm and Wednesday-Friday 8am-4:30pm.
If you find yourself wanting some time to yourself to think, a walk or drive in nature can also be therapeutic, as well as being a break from studying and a chance to get some fresh air to clear your head. Many people also find that working out is a helpful outlet, and according to some studies, it also helps improve moods (although this has also been a topic of debate because of the nature of depression, anxiety, or a combination of the two that causes people to resist getting up and going out). Doing art, reading, writing, and working or playing with animals are other outlets, depending on preference. The most important thing to note, is that no one way of working with your feelings is better than another, and that the thing that feels right for one person may not be the best option for someone else. It is important that we give each other support and understanding always, but the approaching winter season is a chance for everyone to become more aware of this, both in yourself and in others.
A final note: when the campus Counseling Center is closed, they encourage calling Lakes Region Mental Health Center/Genesis Behavioral Health (603)-524-1100 (for students at PSU who are also in the Plymouth community), the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) (for those who may not be students or in the Plymouth community), the University Police at (603) 535-2330 or 911 (for police or emergency service response), or the Speare Hospital Emergency Room at (603) 536-1120 (for medical emergencies or emotional crises). This information, along with information about availability during school breaks, is also available on their page on the PSU website at https://campus.plymouth.edu/counseling/.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
More theclockonline News Articles
- The 91st Oscars Feature Upsets and Controversy
- A&E Editorial: Ariana Is Bored, Should We Be Worried?
- The Plymouth Playlist
- Annual Student Juried Exhibit: A Celebration of The Arts
Recent theclockonline News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR THECLOCKONLINE
Campton Elementary School 8th Grade Silent Auction & Spaghetti Dinner By Rebecca Tgibedes
Will You? By Isabelle Elsasser
Summer in the Sunflowers By Emily Holleran
Student Spotlight: Sabrina Siegel By Justine Walsh
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THECLOCKONLINE NEWS
RECENT THECLOCKONLINE CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- 1 in 5 Vehicles on the Road Has an Open Recall—Yours C...
- A Difficult Diagnosis Sparks Hope and Support for...
- Fall For Improved Vehicle Protection
- Six Ways To Save Money This Holiday Season
- BigFuture Resources Help Students Discover College,...
- Anheuser-Busch Celebrates American Growers on National...
- What You Should Know About Healthy Aging
- What We Don’t Know Can Hurt: New Survey Reveals K...
- Blood Donors Quietly Revolutionizing Sickle Cell Treatment
- What You Need To Know About Vaccines On World Polio Day...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- BookTrib’s Bites: Dive Into These Four Exciting Fall Reads
- Easy Monster Margarita is No Trick, All Treat
- Help Marine Toys for Tots Deliver Hope to Children in...
- 5 Tips to Pick the Right Dental Plan
- BookTrib’s Bites: Four Fascinating Fall Reads
- The U.S. Can Make the Most of AI in Robotics
- Have a Boo-tiful Halloween with Chilean Citrus
- 5 Ways to Transform Your Kitchen and Bath with the Look...
- Many American Women Feel Financial Stress
- BookTrib’s Bites: Four Captivating Fall Reads
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- DISAPPOINTING AFFIRMATIONS
- Flamin Hot Teams Up with Gabby Windey to Help Fans Cheat on Flamin Hot Cheetos
- BLUMHOUSE AND AMC THEATRES ANNOUNCE AMCS BLUMFEST 2024 WITH ICONIC HORROR FILM SCREENINGS IN 54 CITIES EVERY WEDNESDAY IN OCTOBER
- Upskilling Opportunities Ranked Most Valuable for Students Seeking Resume Edge, According to Survey of Recent Grads