Endless gray skies and mountains of snow define Buffalo winters, but may cause students to long for fun in the sun. Common during the long winter months, this feeling is colloquially called the "winter blues" or "cabin fever," and should not be confused with seasonal depression.
Getting active and engaging in activities are just a few ways that students can fight the winter blahs.
According to the American Psychological Association's Web site, taking a short walk outside or sitting by a window increases exposure to natural light, which has been shown to combat winter blues.
"I enjoy working out," said Derek Mascarenhas, a sophomore electrical engineering major. "I normally go to Alumni Arena. I'm going to start running outside."
Another great late winter activity is taking weekend excursions with friends. "I like to take winter trips rather than stay at home covered in blankets," said Bao Chan, a junior biomedical sciences major. "Over winter break, I went to Montreal and Quebec. Seeing beautiful [places] covered with white dust makes me feel better."
Many students fight the effects of the winter blues by participating in activities and clubs to take their minds off of the weather. Benjamin Richman, a junior mechanical and aerospace engineering major, stays active during the winter by participating in karate and indoor basketball.
"Intramurals are a great way to get involved," Richman said. "Find interests that will keep you going in the wintertime, [like] skiing and snowboarding."
Although hitting the slopes every weekend can get expensive, students can still find economical ways to have fun without breaking piggy banks.
"I've been going bowling because $0.50 a game Monday nights at Transit Lanes," said Amanda Norton, a junior health and human services major. "My boyfriend and I get our friends together, we play two games, and it costs us each only $4.00, including shoes."
Another popular winter activity is going to the movies. Although tickets (and popcorn) at Regal Cinemas can cost an arm and a leg, other local cinemas can offer better prices and current movies. Movieland theater, located on Thruway Plaza Drive in Cheektowaga, offers admission tickets for only $3.50 each, and $1.50 on Wednesdays.
Although winter blues can cause students to feel pretty lousy, it's important to distinguish from a more serious condition called seasonal depression.
Lori Cangilla, a Ph.D intern at Counseling Services, urges students to know the difference between the two.
"Seasonal depression is a more severe form of mood disturbance, in which symptoms of depression vary predictably from year to year, worsening in late fall and winter, and improving through the spring into summer," Cangilla said.
According to Cangilla, symptoms can include, but are not limited to; feeling sad and irritable for most of the day, losing interest in previously enjoyed activities, changes in appetite, sleep or level of energy, and feelings of hopelessness."
A student who feels that they have these symptoms should seek counseling to assess their needs. Individual or group counseling are available to help students assess thought patterns and behaviors associated with this condition.
Counseling Services, located at 120 Richmond Quadrangle, is there to assist students with evaluating their mental health status. Counseling Services refers students to psychiatrists and primary care physicians when appropriate. More information can be found at their Web site at www.ub-counseling.buffalo.edu.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
