@sunsetcliff that’s pretty normal. Being depressed from bad weather is sort of like seasonal affective disorder. I have it too. I live in a part of San Francisco that is most of the time really over-cast and gray, plus i’m cold all the time so I never want to get out of bed. If it’s dark all day, I have low energy, i’m unhappy, I don’t want to get out of bed, or leave the house. I can’t get motivated to do anything, I don’t want to talk to anyone, and all I think about is moving somewhere where it’s sunny all the time - like Los Angeles or up north.
But the problem is that, I did that for a long time (always moving if something wasn’t right or made me unhappy), and no matter where I went, I would always find something to be unhappy about. I know the weather must suck, and it’s obviously making it hard for you to cope with school and getting motivated to do anything, but I really think you should try to talk to a counselor at your school and get another’s perspective on the issue. What you are going through is not strange and unusual at all, a lot of people feel this way and there’s ways of coping with it.
@sunsetcliff Please don’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking counseling help at your school and try not to be hard on yourself for not making an instantly smooth transition, you are in a new and challenging situation, living on your own in a new place with new expectations. The counselors are skilled in helping students who are having difficulty transitioning to college. Gloomy winter weather can definitely add to depression and the counselors can probably offer some guidance to help you cope with that too. . D1 also sometimes feels overwhelmed and has found that she enjoys yoga and zoomba classes at the gym as a good stress reliever(also a good way to meet new people outside of the dorms). She also attended a free seminar on meditation techniques and found that helpful.
Most people don’t hesitate to see a doctor for physical issues, and your mental health is just as important. If you were struggling academically, you would likely see your professor during office hours for help or go the tutoring center at your school. Taking care of your inner self is no different, and I would be willing to bet there are plenty of other students at your school who are seeing the counselors for similar issues:)