Continuing into winter, mental health can be a struggle for many. With finals coming up and the financial strain of the holidays, along side the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many feel the burden of stress. Gallatin High School counselor Tricia Williamson talks about trends she has seen, and how students can help themselves and their peers.

“I think that winter can be hard because it’s shorter days, colder. People don’t react as well to that usually. So there’s also a lack of vitamin D because we don’t have the sun…a lot of vitamin D deficiency symptoms mirror those of, like, depression,” Ms. Williamson stated when asked about general mental health trends in both the student populace and in Gallatin County. She continued by sharing her initial advice for fighting mental health, “So anyone who lives here should probably be taking vitamin D supplements just to help with overall health,”

Ms. Williamson also explained another way to tackle mental health is to “be honest.” Being honest, she advises, includes talking to a trusted resource, such as a school counselor or a trusted family member. “Finding what works for them as a coping strategy, healthy coping strategies, and also knowing there’s other resources like the Help Center,” was her other piece of advice for keeping mental health up. Examples she suggested for healthy coping mechanisms included journaling, reading, taking a bath, going for a run, and talking with friends. Other coping strategies recommended by the Center for Disease Control include connecting with your community and meditating.

Winter is hard on many, especially in Montana, and the effects are very notably seen in high schools, where students may not see the sun all day. Taking time as an individual is more important than ever. Providing care for one as an individual and asking for help when needed is essential as the cold winter continues and the first semester reaches a close.

Help Center: (406) 586-3333

Crisis text line: Text MT to 741-741

Crisis and Suicide lifeline: 988