As the sun starts to heat up the earth for tank top season, students may find getting up in the morning isn’t really so bad after all.

There are several theories determining how weather can impact a person’s mental health, but Seasonal Affective Disorder can take a toll on students during winter months.

“Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder in which people experience symptoms similar to depression during a particular season, typically fall into winter,” explained Chris Johnson, mental health professional.

Once spring rolls around, many people snap out of this gloomy feeling and begin to be happier because of the sunny weather.  However, this turn around does not happen for everyone.

Those who are very depressed cannot snap out of it like everyone else and the suicides start to spike. Actually, suicide rates are highest among students during the summer, according to Johnson.

“Spring is when severely depressed people are able to be motivated enough to take action and do something,” Grady Dixon, from Fort Hays State University, told weather.com when talking about suicides. “Spring brings more socialization and pressure to interact with others, which can be difficult and overwhelming to a depressed person, making their symptoms less tolerable than when they were able to isolate and stay in during the winter months.” 

This doesn’t have to be the case as depression is a treatable condition.

“For those with SAD, light therapy may be helpful,” suggests Johnson “For those who suffer from depression and suicidal ideation, extra monitoring and safety planning in the spring and early summer may be warranted.”

If someone you know is suffering from depression, you can help them.

“Ask the question, ‘Are you having thoughts of killing yourself?’ Research shows this question does not ‘plant the idea’ and cause suicide,” Johnson said.

If they answer “yes,” leave them alone and get them professional help. An easy way to get assistance is by calling the National Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255.

“It is important to pay attention in one’s mood and build extra supports during times that are typically more difficult,” suggests Johnson