Regina’s Winter can Affect Student Mental Health and Academic Performance: Experts, Students

Regina’s winter is famous for severe cold, sometimes dropping to -40 C, with heavy snowfall and relentless windchill. These severe winter conditions bring significant challenges to mental health, motivation and academic performances, according to some University of Regina students and professors.

“I think the weather is really harsh,” said Victoria Ogunleye, a second-year health studies major at the University. “Especially when you have to go to school, the winter has motivated me not to come to class.”

The winter makes students experience a drop in energy and motivation and for some it can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

“SAD affects approximately five per cent of the population,” said Dr. Tamara Williamson, a professor in psychology at the University of Regina, in an email.

“It is more common the further away a person lives from the equator so Canadians in cold weather climates such as Regina may be particularly affected. It is also more common in young adults (18-30) putting University students at high risk.”

SAD can include fatigue, laziness and lack of concentration all which can significantly impact academic performance.

“I noticed a change in my grade last winter semester,” said Ogunleye. “The motivation to go the library and read as much was not there.”

The mental health challenges caused by the winter often translate into academic struggles.

“Without the daylight it gets hard for people to get out of bed and do the things they need to do,” said Dr. Ken Wilson a professor in English at the University.

“But we want to hibernate, our bodies want to hibernate, but we can’t … we need the endless drive to be productive.”

Given the many challenges created by winter conditions, some students have proposed making the winter semester optional allowing students to focus on summer and fall terms instead, while others feel the winter semester should still be mandatory.

“I am not going to be greedy, but I want to finish school so fast, said Happiness Okeke a third-year computer science major. “In terms of being optional it wouldn’t favour me … I would say not make it optional but make it online to attend classes instead of coming to campus.”

“Williamson in an email encouraged students “To go outside as much as possible, increase your exposure to natural daylight (ideally in the morning), secondly get some exercise at least a10 minutes walk, thirdly maintain a schedule, it is one of the best things you can do to manage your mood and energy levels and finally if you struggle with SAD see your doctor to discuss effect treatment.”

Wilson had an alternative suggestion called bright light therapy used to lift moods, energy levels and ease other symptoms of SAD. Sitting in front of a light box for at least 20-30 minutes per day will help replace vitamin D people need.

“Get a light with full spectrum said they have fluorescent tubes in them, they make a huge difference. They are replacing what we would get from the sun,” Wilson said.