Post-Daylight Savings, by 4 p.m., the sky over Seattle is dusky and the sound of rain is nearly constant against umbrellas and windows. For many Seattle University students, the early sunsets and steady rain mark the beginning of the “Big Dark,” a season when motivation fades as fast as the daylight.
“When it comes to Seattle, many talk about the ‘Big Dark’ to describe the ominous coming of winter,” Mikaela Wallin, associate director of Wellness and Health Promotion (WHP), said. “The shorter days and reduced sunlight can have a big impact on mood, mental health and motivation.”
Wallin explained that less sunlight can lower serotonin and melatonin levels, two hormones that regulate mood and sleep.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often referred to as seasonal depression, affects about 5% of adults nationwide each year, according to research cited by WHP. The condition can cause low energy, trouble concentrating, oversleeping and changes in appetite during the darker months. As of 2023, Washington ranks eighth in the nation for states most impacted by SAD.
For students like Victoria Nguyen, a fourth-year criminal justice major from Mississippi, the adjustment hasn’t been easy.
“I’m still not used to it. It’s rainy and cold,” Nguyen said.
Growing up somewhere that is warmer on average than Seattle, she said that the sudden change in weather and sunlight has shifted her daily rhythm.
“The lack of sunlight just makes me want to stay in bed and be cozy,” Nguyen said.
Some students find ways to work around the gloom. Nguyen says she keeps her spirits up by treating herself to a matcha or coffee as a small pick-me-up and something to look forward to. For others, connection is key.
“Being around other people so I don’t keep myself in a bubble, that is my biggest motivation,” Third-year Strategic Communication Major Shayrielle Cornelius Shears said.
Wallin said that social support can be one of the best defenses against seasonal depression.
“It is important not to write off changes in mood or motivation,” she said. “Sometimes the first barrier to seeking support is fear of judgment and stigma, and it’s important to give ourselves permission to reach out for help.”
Seattle U offers several wellness resources during the winter, including Lux Light Therapy Lamps available through WHP. These lamps emit 10,000 lux of UV-free light to mimic the effects of sunlight and help regulate energy levels. Students can borrow them for free in 30 day increments from the office in Student Center 380.
“I haven’t used them myself, but I know a lot of people who have and really enjoy the lamps,” Cornelius Shears said.
Wallin emphasized that seasonal struggles are common and manageable with the right tools.
“Counseling can be very effective for treating symptoms of seasonal depression,” she said. “We like to remind everyone that they are not alone, and seasonal changes have a very real impact on mental health.”
Students can reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), TimelyCare or the Student Health Center for support. According to Wallin, the Lux Light Lamp program continues to see strong participation from students each winter.
“Every year, we have all lamps checked out with a waiting list to make sure everyone interested has a chance to use one,” she said.
As of publishing, about half of the available lamps had already been borrowed. Students can access WHP resources in Student Center 380, where Lux Light Lamps are available to borrow for up to 30 days. CAPS provides free hybrid mental health counseling, both individual and group sessions, in Pigott Pavilion 120. For 24/7 virtual support, students can connect with TimelyCare online.
