Tips for beating seasonal depression, brought to you by Reid bathroom tiles

As winter continues to linger with no end to the snow in sight, so does the stress of being a college student. The lack of sun and increased homework load only makes it worse, but students know these months are harder than others and remind each other to keep pushing forward, most prominently through campus bathroom tiles.

Displayed on the first floor Reid bathroom tiles, students have penned words of encouragement. One tile reads, “Get some sleep, plz.” Students should remember that sleep is vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night is recommended. Instead of cramming before a test, leading to more stress, focus on getting that extra hour of sleep to refresh your brain.

Another tile reads, “we just restart.” In life, there will always be things that are out of our control. Whether the days are getting shorter, classes getting harder or relationships ending, remember that tomorrow will be a new day, and you will never have to relive today. There’s no rush to figure everything out at once and there’s nothing wrong with failing when you try.

Students understand the importance of pursuing their dreams rather than letting their hardships get in the way and hold them back. Another quote says, “don’t waste away and wait for the next day to do all the things you want to do because tomorrow can’t promise the chance to do what today has already given you.” These words may be hidden away in a bathroom stall, but they carry meaning that could make someone's day and remind them of their worth.

During these times when it feels like you’re drowning in your own stress and lack of vitamin D, it's good to be reminded that you're loved. Another quote reads, “People need you today and everyday! Please stay.” While another says, “You have worth. You are here for a reason. You are loved!”

If you are looking for events or resources around campus to provide you with some resources to combat seasonal depression, look no farther than the SKY Happiness Retreat this week.

This semester the Indian Student Association at MSU will be hosting a free workshop called the SKY Happiness Retreat. This workshop will be held in Romney 007 during Feb. 24-26. Friday at 6 p.m. through 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. The workshop’s main goal is to provide tools and techniques to use when battling with mental health issues.

Venkat Krisshna, PhD student in the College of Engineering and member of the Indian Student Association, wrote in a press release, “This weekend workshop brings evidence-based breathwork, meditation, emotional intelligence, social connection and service leadership to all college students, faculty, and staff.”

Even if you're not struggling with mental health, the SKY workshop is a great time to take a step back and breathe as you check in with yourself. As another bathroom wall quote says, “Take a breath and remember you only have to do today.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing hard times, MSU offers counseling and psychological services on the second floor of the Swingle Building. CPS offers a variety of free services including stress management workshops, suicide prevention training and drop in counseling services. Stay safe and remember that tomorrow is a new day and you are not alone.

Suicide prevention hotline: 988

Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: Text ‘mt’ to the 741-741