Like much of the city, the Pace community faces an uneasy return to reality following the holiday season. As the school year resumes, signs of post-holiday depression are becoming evident.
This is “a real phenomenon,” said Ms. Barcia, Pace’s social worker. Common symptoms include a dip in mood, frustration, negative self-talk, and a lingering sense of sadness.
“Other signs may include struggling more than usual to focus on school tasks, such as keeping up with assignments or maintaining consistent attendance,” she said.
Winter break just came to an end, the semester’s conclusion is just around the corner, and the brutal weather set in. During these times, students often find themselves unmotivated to resume classes while grappling with post-holiday depression. Although some students are feeling unmotivated to resume classes, this time of year, it is also crucial for them to focus and prioritize their grades.
With less than a week left in the semester, students need to “lock in” and fight the post-holiday depression to obtain a sense of motivation in the little time we have left.
One way to combat these holiday blues is to maintain a routine. “My biggest advice would be to maintain a regular routine and structure which can ease the transition back from the break,” said Ms. Barcia.
She also added that physical activity, social support, and reconnection are key to getting over the post-holiday slump.
Pace offers reinforcements for this time of year. Apart from reconnecting with friends and being excited for the continuation of extracurriculars, the staff is ready to help anyone feeling irritable or unambitious.
Ms. Barcia also said, “Students can meet with a school counselor, the Substance Abuse and Prevention Specialist (SAPIS) counselor, or another social worker who can support students in navigating academic pressures, personal issues or emotional struggles.”
She also mentioned she runs the Yoga & Wellness Club, which is welcome to all students and is a safe and free space.
Having to balance academic responsibilities with their emotional well-being after returning from break can be challenging, but here are some important notes to take:
- Take it one step at a time.
- Practice self-care.
- Focus on smaller tasks instead of becoming overwhelmed and agitated at the piles of tasks on your to-do list.
- Lean on your emotional support team whether that’s your family or friends can be extremely rewarding
We each have our unique way of dealing with post-holiday depression, but unlike the rest of the world, we have a supportive and proactive community at Pace. So, if you’re in a slump, give yourself a break and know that Pace has got you.
