There’s an indescribable feeling of joy that comes from the first step outside into cool fall air. The leaves are starting to change color, the holidays are approaching and the summer heat is finally fading away. It’s a great feeling, but for many people, it’s one that will likely be gone in just a few short weeks.

Seasonal affective disorder, more frequently referred to as seasonal depression, is a type of depression that begins and ends at around the same time each year. Although there is a form of SAD that appears in the spring and summer, this disorder — triggered by the cold weather and decreased sunlight — generally appears in the fall and winter months.

Symptoms of seasonal depression, which is most common in women and people who already struggle with major depressive disorder, include fatigue, social withdrawal, weight gain and loss of interest. Recurrent feelings of hopelessness and anxiety are also associated with SAD.

This type of depression goes beyond a mere sense of discontentment with the cold temperatures and gloomy skies; there are physiological causes as well. Reduced sunlight can impact the body’s levels of serotonin and melatonin and disrupt circadian rhythms, having a negative impact on mood and sleep patterns.

Although only about 5% of adults in the United States meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis of SAD, normal levels of sadness and gloom during the winter months still appear and should be acknowledged. In fact, approximately one in five additional American adults without the full diagnosis experience some symptoms of SAD. This milder form is referred to as the winter blues.

Nearly 25% of all college students in the United States experience symptoms of the winter blues. Walking to class in the freezing temperatures and going back to the dorm buildings at 6 p.m. to find the sun already setting, in addition to professors piling on assignments toward the end of the semester, is not always easy.

Fortunately, there are ways to assuage these negative mood shifts. Self care, which can take many forms, is one of the easiest and most effective solutions. As simple as it may sound, exercising regularly, eating a clean diet and having a regular sleep schedule effectively reduces anxiety.

Socializing is another way to improve mood, and although the weather may not always permit outdoor activities, there are plenty of ways to enjoy friends and family in the winter. Watch movies and make hot chocolate, bake cookies, go to a pumpkin patch or host a game night. Even something as simple as meeting a friend for a coffee can help improve your mood.

Getting involved with the community can also help foster a sense of belonging and connection, and Raleigh hosts countless seasonal activities, from the annual NC State Fair to the Raleigh Christmas Parade and the North Carolina Museum of Art’s Holiday Market. In addition, the State Farmers Market, which brings seasonal produce, plants and treats to the area and offers a relaxed afternoon out.

On our campus, there are many opportunities to get involved this fall. For example, from Oct. 27 to Nov. 3, Red and White Week will celebrate the Wolfpack community through events like the Homecoming football game.

As we approach the winter months, make sure to check in with yourself and others. Although this time may feel long, the cold, dark days will not last forever. In the meantime, there’s so much to look forward to, from the season’s landscapes to its festivities.

Snow days, Christmas lights, holiday shopping and winter break are all around the corner, so when you’re feeling down try to find peace in everything the season has to offer. The cold weather brings people together, and even though you may feel isolated, there are always resources for support and other people experiencing similar emotions.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with symptoms of SAD or the winter blues, visiting a doctor is the first step. A doctor can suggest higher levels of treatment, whether that looks like light therapy, vitamin D supplements, prescription medication or a variety of other options.

NC State’s Counseling Center also has services available for students who may need support, so don’t be ashamed to utilize them.