Fall Depression

Tina Kasin
Staff Writer

You know fall is here when everything tastes like pumpkin, the temperature noticeably drops, the day becomes night quicker than expected, and the box of scarves and jackets (the one you thought you had left behind to forget), needs to be dusted off. Some people experience the fall just as a reminder that the dreaded winter is closer than it has been in a year, and legs and arms need to be covered up yet another time. Some of us descend into fall depression. No matter how hard we try to steal what is left of the warm weather, it is slowly strolling away from us. It is out of our control, which is something we have to realize. However, fall depression is possible to avoid.

Research suggests that some people lack energy and feel depressed during the fall because they do not get exposed to the sun as much as they do during the summer. Sunlight increases the production of endorphins and serotonin in your brain. With this in mind, you do not have an excuse for not getting out during the day. Try to do homework or eat outside on sunny days.

Research also suggests that staying active, as well as getting enough sunlight, releases the “happy”-hormones in your brain, which is going to make you feel better even after working out one time. Re¬member, all students have free access to the Pratt. However, there are other ways to stay in shape. Hiking is a great way to do so, especially now with the colorful fall scenery. The Sunken Forest in Fire Island is a beautiful area to try, perfect for long walks or jogs. Drive to Sayville and take the ferry to Fire Island from there. Taking walks in general is good for body and mind, even if it is just around our campus.

Wear the fall – it has beautiful colors, so why not play with it and dress like it? Try brown, red, orange and other warm colors. Put on your favorite scarf, jacket, jeans and sunglasses. Buy magazines, get inspired and check out this season’s trends. This gives you a reason to shop for new clothes. If you feel good on the outside, the inside will follow.

Fall is the season for pumpkin lovers, and this is something Starbucks appreciates. Their seasonal favorite coffees are now served, so stop by and get warm with a delicious cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte or Salted Caramel Mocha (the Chai Tea Latte is also a favorite, although it is served at all times of the year). These drinks could please a seasonally depressed soul.

Speaking of pumpkin, now is the time to go pumpkin picking. Gather a group of friends, pick pumpkins at a farm, and then carve and paint them later. It may feel corny because you are not a kid anymore, but surprisingly enough, doing things you used to do when you were younger is actually very fun and it brings back good memories.

Halloween is coming up, so why not decorate your dorm? Assign a couple of hours with your roommate to do so. Go to Target or a Halloween store and find as many decorations as you would like, and before you know it, your room will be ready. Again, doing kid stuff brings back good memories.

“I’m not a big fall-fan, but I do think it’s better in the U.S. than in Norway,” said Mathilde Laderud, a junior International Studies major. “It’s warmer here than home. I also like that I don’t have to feel bad for not doing anything inside when it’s raining outside, which it often does in the fall.”

“Fall and spring are my favorite seasons. It’s not too cold, but cold enough that I can wear warm jackets, and on cold nights, spend time with friends inside,” said Maiken Prestmo, a sophomore Political Science major.

To sum it all up, learn how to love every season by finding out what you can do to make it better.