Did you know, according to a National Institute of Mental Health study in 2011, that depression affects 30 percent of college kids?

Did you also know that a study done by the Anxiety and Depression Association in 2011, found that more than 62 percent of students who withdrew from college due to mental health problems did so because of anxiety?

How about that suicide was the second leading cause of death for college students, according to Emory University?

Welcome to Kay’s Crazy Corner, a weekly guest column exploring mental health problems among college students. As you can see, mental health problems are nowhere near as rare as you would expect. But never fear, because I am here to help.

With winter dragging on, it’s no surprise if you find yourself feeling down or out of sorts. But the shorter days and lack of sunlight may be affecting you more than you think.

Depression with Seasonal Pattern (DwSP), formally called Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a recurrent form of depression that only happens during a certain time of the year, but is completely absent the rest of the year. It usually happens during the winter, but it can be any season, any time.

When we say DwSP, we’re not talking about a normal shift of less energy when winter arrives. In order to have DwSP, there’s specific criteria that has to be met.

First of all, the depressive episode has to occur at the same time every year, but be absent for the rest of the year.

Second, there has to be a change in your sleep and eating patterns; do you find you’re sleeping more, or feel constantly tired? Do you have a sudden lack (or over interest) in food? These could be more telling signs than you think.

Further, if you’ve been feeling oversensitive or irritable lately, or had trouble getting along with people, it may not be just you.

Thankfully, DwSP can be combatted from the comforts of your own room.

For instance, using full spectrum, high intensity florescent bulbs in your lights mimics the sun’s rays, boosting your mood.

Wearing bright colors or adding colors to your walls can also be beneficial.

Cornell University suggests owning a plant; try bringing some nature to the barren winter wasteland.

Exercising a few times a week can also be extremely helpful, and you don’t even have to go the gym! Doing something simple like squats or sit ups in your dorm room can get your blood flowing and endorphins running, which can leave you in a good mood for several days (fun fact; it’s good for anxiety, too!).

Finally, try to maintain a regular schedule. Don’t let yourself over eat or over sleep; the more regular you keep your body, the better you’ll feel.

Of course, these tricks don’t always work. Sometimes, DwSP needs real, medical attention. If you’ve felt especially low lately, check out the counseling center. They’ve got walk in hours from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day.