The Winter of Our Discontent

Endless snow getting you down? Carrie Landa, director of Behavioral Medicine at BU’s Student Health Services, offers some coping tips.

Who doesn’t love waking up to a fresh snowfall, rooftops crowned like iced cupcakes, the last flakes catching the light as they cascade downward? Do we hear groaning out there? Snow is pretty and magical…until it isn’t. Especially when it’s combined with severe cold and both refuse to go away, as they have this year, when they’ve upended our lives, turned roads and sidewalks deadly, doubled or tripled commutes of even a few miles, and just generally demoralized snow’s staunchest loyalists. According to the National Weather Service, Boston’s total snowfall this winter has topped 100 inches (nearly two and half times the average), and February is already the city’s snowiest month on record. Good luck finding someone who’s happy about this.

In fact, even for those not suffering from clinical depression, stretches of punishing weather can lead to sadness, anxiety, frustration, and more. Students may be stressed over having to catch up on those elusive Monday and Tuesday classes or worried about lost time in rehearsal spaces and practice rooms. BU Today asked Carrie Landa, director of Behavioral Medicine at BU’s Student Health Services, about the ways unrelenting severe weather can darken our mood and sap our energy, and what students can do about it.

BU Today: During this spell of harsh winter weather, has Behavioral Medicine seen an increase in students seeking help?

Landa: No increase in visits has been noted. There have been cancellations by both students and staff due to the weather. Commuting has been an issue because of the MBTA shutdown for many employees at BU and braving the weather to come to an appointment has also been a barrier.

Many people complain of isolation during and after snowstorms, but students on campus have each other. What are the biggest stresses they face?

The slow and inconsistent start to the semester has been a big source of stress. Students are finding it more difficult to get into the rhythm of the semester, because there has not been a complete week of school yet. Meeting with professors and groups for classes have all been postponed because of storms. Many are concerned how this will affect exams, because classroom learning time has been affected. Since the University has announced Saturday classes, many who have work obligations are worried about not being able to attend and wonder how this will impact grades.

Can you talk about the added stress on students unaccustomed to snow and cold?

Students not used to the snow or cold have really been challenged by this winter. Even those used to this weather are feeling the burden. It has been a big adjustment for students from warmer climates. Basic things like figuring out what to wear to stay warm or identifying indoor activities that can provide relief from cabin fever have been difficult for all of them.

What are the risks of increased anxiety and what are the healthiest ways for students to cope?

What’s difficult about this weather is that some standard recommendations for coping with both depression and anxiety, like going out for a walk or a run, getting out to socialize, or simply getting outdoors, have become a big challenge. Students are having a harder time getting out to socialize or exercise because of all the snow and are relying on social media to stay connected, which is not ideal. Limit time online—instead call a friend or even use Facetime or Skype as an alternative.

Feeling cooped up or stuck in one place is trying on everyone. Frustrations are evident in almost anyone trying to navigate the city, either by foot, car, or MBTA, due to the massive quantity of snow. Patience is definitely challenged and distress tolerance is lowered for many. Remembering to expect and plan for delays can help decrease the rush and anxiety over getting to and from places.

How much does light, and the lack of it, affect the mood and energy level of young people?

Lack of sunlight definitely has an impact on mood and energy, but how individuals experience this varies. Specifically, Vitamin D levels become depleted when the sun is not as strong during winter months and when we are not outdoors as much. Low Vitamin D affects everyone differently, but research has shown a strong correlation between depression and a lack of Vitamin D. For some, this can translate to lower energy, increased irritability, and lower motivation.

Are there any positive effects, behaviorally speaking, associated with major winter storms?

Snowstorms are a good chance to catch up on things that have been escaping you. Get caught up on some reading, do that laundry that’s been collecting, or spend time with friends. It’s an opportunity for students to get a head start on some work they are anticipating later in the semester or to have an unexpected day of rest and relaxation.

For non–clinically depressed students who are simply feeling exhausted and blue, what do you recommend to brighten their outlook?

Get outside when you can for both sun and exercise. If the weather is too bad, get some exercise at FitRec. Be mindful not to eat too much food primarily made up of refined sugars, as those foods don’t provide prolonged energy like lean proteins do. Interact with people off-line: your roommate, suitemate, or neighbor. Make sure to socialize, to grab meals with friends or roommates.

What’s your advice to students who retreat to their dorms to watch TV or videos or to play video games for hours on end?

Too much TV watching, particularly late at night, can have a negative impact on sleep patterns. Sleep already has the potential of being affected by the shorter days of winter, so try to abstain from using any devices at least one hour before bed. This includes television, smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Those interested in seeking confidential mental health counseling can contact Student Health Services Behavioral Medicine, the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, the Samaritans of Boston suicide hotline, and BU’s Faculty & Staff Assistance Office.