Sarah Grace Meyn

As the spring semester continues, students are facing pressures that can lead to a decline in mental health. Whether finishing their final year or beginning their first, the added stress of academic responsibilities, internships, and preparing for summer break can leave students feeling burnt out.
Kensley May, a nationally certified counselor and provisional licensed professional counselor, explains several factors contributing to students' mental health struggles during this time.
One such factor is Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), a condition that can cause mood changes due to reduced sunlight and gloomy skies. May highlights how the lack of sunlight can lead to lower energy levels and a sense of sadness or irritability, which can also disrupt sleep patterns.
“You have low energy and motivation and an increase in sadness or irritability,” said May. “It could also disrupt your sleep as well because sleep patterns are off.”
May also points to the challenges of transitioning into the spring semester. After the adjustments made during the fall semester—such as meeting new teachers, adapting to new schedules, or adjusting to life at a new college—students may feel overwhelmed when faced with similar changes in the spring.
“Academic burn-out is a thing because you’ve been through so much in your fall semester,” said May. “If it’s your first year as a college student, your academic fall semester can be a lot to take in.”
For some students, the pressure of moving away from home for internships or the possibility of returning home after graduation adds additional stress. Kenny Halsey, a sophomore Biological Sciences major, describes the anxiety of securing an internship and the seasonal depression she experiences after winter break, both of which affect her academic performance.
“Maybe it comes from this sort of seasonal depression, but coming out of January and February, my mental health is at an all-time low for the year,” said Halsey. “It’s not really helpful when it’s combined with trying to pick up new information.”
Despite these challenges, there are ways to alleviate the stress. May emphasizes the importance of being intentional with time and creating a small community for support. He also recommends prioritizing time management, setting small goals, and practicing stress-relief activities such as meditation, coloring, and breathing exercises.
“Meditation or deep breathing, coloring a coloring book, taking your mind away from academics,” said May. “Do something that you’re not always pressured to have to focus on school so much.”
May also advises students to seek support from a mentor, therapist, or school counselor for guidance not only during the spring semester but also for summer classes.
For additional support, students can text “Friend” to 62640 to connect with another teen or young adult who shares a similar experience and can offer resources and support.