Category: Dhruti

As the year winds down, campuses begin to glow—string lights on trees, festive decorations in hostels, and music floating through corridors. From Diwali and Christmas to New Year and cultural festivals, the end of the year is designed to lift the mood.

And yet, many college students quietly feel the opposite. If you’ve noticed a sudden drop in energy, motivation, or mood as winter approaches, you’re not alone. This could be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to seasonal changes.

What exactly is SAD?

SAD is triggered by changes in daylight and climate. Because it is often misunderstood as “normal” exam stress or burnout, many students ignore the warning signs. Pay attention if you notice:

• A persistent low mood or lack of motivation.
• Feeling constantly tired, regardless of how much you sleep.
• Difficulty concentrating on your studies.
• Changes in your appetite or sleep patterns.
• Social withdrawal, even during major celebrations.

Why are Festivals so Full of Light?

Across cultures, year-end festivals share a common theme: light. From Diwali lamps and Christmas candles to New Year fireworks, humans have historically used light to counter darkness, both literally and emotionally.

This isn’t just tradition; it’s biology. Reduced daylight affects your brain chemistry—specifically serotonin (the “feel-good” neurotransmitter) and melatonin (which regulates sleep). When daylight reduces due to shorter days or indoor academic pressure, your mind can feel “dimmed,” even when the world around you is sparkling.

The Role of Nutrition and Climate

Our modern lifestyle often worsens these seasonal shifts. Shorter days, colder weather, and increased screen time push us indoors, reducing our exposure to natural sunlight.

Furthermore, for students living away from home, irregular meals can lead to nutritional gaps. Deficiencies in Vitamin D, iron, magnesium, or omega-3s can intensify fatigue and emotional dips.

Tools for Your Toolkit

Awareness is the first step toward care. If you feel the seasonal shift, try these small but impactful steps:

• Catch the Sun: Spend time outdoors during daylight hours.
• Optimize Your Workspace: Use warm, bright lighting while studying.
• Move Your Body: Walks, yoga, or light exercise help regulate your mood.
• Check Your Fuel: Eat nourishing meals and check your vitamin levels if you feel persistent fatigue.
• Stay Connected: Connect with trusted friends, family members.
• Reach Out: Reach out to Dhruti Trust. Our team is available to support you during the holidays as-well.

A Final Thought

The world lights up at the end of the year for a reason. If your mood feels darker while everything else sparkles, it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means your mind and body are responding to the environment. Understanding SAD is not about labeling—it’s about listening. And just like the seasons, this too will shift soon.

Dr. Sangeetha. G

Director, Psychological Services

Dhruti Charitable Trust

Email: reachout@dhrutitrust.org

Phone: +91 63801 45821

Welcome to Dhruti Trust! 

Dhruti trust is a non-profit dedicated to providing free, confidential, accessible mental health services to college students.

Entering university is a profound transition. Whether it be a move from your childhood home to a faraway place, from a village to a big city, from family and old friends to new connections, or often, isolation. College-aged youth face the new demands of adulthood during a time in which they are undergoing great developmental, social, and emotional change. As a result, young people often deal with extreme levels of stress from a variety of sources such as school, interpersonal relationships, or their financial situations. These phenomena are clearly visible in our daily lives–in the process of bringing Dhruti to life, the Dhruti team have encountered countless young adults who have expressed the need for mental health services. But for most, no such programs exist at their colleges and universities, and even when treatment is available, social stigma often prevents students from seeking it out. That is why we have developed a multi-pronged approach that incorporates stigma-fighting education and compassionate treatment as our core strategies. 

Enabling fortitude within

We partner with universities to offer confidential, free, accessible mental health services to students. Our individual counselling program is designed to help students discover their innate strength, and to use this deep well of resilience alongside their support systems to transform their lives for the better. Inspired by the concept of dhidam, a Tamil word meaning mental strength, we have created the DHIDAM approach: Dauntless Harmony, Inspiring Diligence and Assertiveness for Metamorphosis. Dhruti also offers group therapy, in which students can connect with each other in supportive groups led by professional counsellors to address issues such as addiction and anger management, drawing from their collective strength to overcome challenges.

Raising awareness in our communities

We are committed to educating the community about mental health struggles in order to reduce stigma through our MANAM program: Making Awareness Necessary for Alleviating Mental health struggles. Manam is a Tamil word that means the mind. As a part of MANAM, we offer educational workshops and seminars to university personnel, parents, professors, or any other group that seeks to understand and support students’—as well as their own—mental wellbeing. To further increase the resources available, we have created a mental health knowledge bank—a toolkit containing informational content regarding mental health disorders, treatments, and therapeutic exercises. With this knowledge base, our hope is that students will be empowered to better understand themselves and their own minds. The more information and stories are shared about mental health struggles, the more it can be normalised, dissolving stigma and opening people up to treatment possibilities. 

At Dhruti, we recognize that people who seek out therapy are just that—people—human beings who shape and are shaped by their communities, family, friends, partners, and their broader environments. All of these different factors affect our mental wellbeing. Just as we as people do not exist in isolation from the world around us, so does our mental health. Therefore, at Dhruti trust, we seek to treat mental health struggles in a holistic way, through our Dhidham and Manam programs, focusing on individual and community mental health. 

Whatever you are going through right now, we at Dhruti are ready to meet you where you are and help you find the guiding light within to illuminate a new path. Help is available if we are courageous enough to seek it. Contact us at reachout@dhrutitrust.org to get started.

Suresh Arunachalam

Young adulthood is a time of incredible change and growth, but it can also be a time of stress, uncertainty, and mental health challenges. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed but remember this: you have the power within you to navigate these years with resilience and build a foundation for a fulfilling life. Here’s how to embrace your inner strength and cultivate dauntless harmony in your mental well-being with your inner DHIDAM(திடம் ~ mental strength)

1. Dauntless: Face Your Challenges Head-On

Life throws curveballs. Don’t shy away from difficult emotions or situations. Instead, approach them with courage and a willingness to learn.

· Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This helps you understand your emotional responses and develop coping mechanisms.

· Seek support: Talk to trusted friends, family, or a mental health professional. Sharing your struggles can lighten the burden and provide fresh perspectives.

2. Harmony: Find Balance in Your Life

Juggling academics, social life, and personal aspirations can be tough. Strive for balance to avoid burnout and maintain mental well-being.

· Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or simply spending time in nature.

· Set realistic goals: Don’t try to do everything at once. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

3. Inspiring: Cultivate a Positive Mindset

Your thoughts shape your reality. Focus on the positive and surround yourself with inspiration.

· Practice gratitude: Appreciate the good things in your life, no matter how small.

· Find role models: Look for people who inspire you and learn from their experiences.

4. Diligent: Commit to Personal Growth

Mental well-being is an ongoing journey. Be patient with yourself and consistently work towards self-improvement.

· Develop healthy habits: Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise. These are the cornerstones of physical and mental health.

· Learn new skills: Engage in activities that challenge you and help you grow as a person.

5. Assertive: Set Boundaries and Communicate Effectively

Don’t be afraid to express your needs and stand up for yourself. Assertive communication is key to healthy relationships and a strong sense of self.

· Learn to say “no”: It’s okay to decline requests that drain your energy or compromise your well-being.

· Express your feelings openly and honestly: Communicate your needs and concerns clearly and respectfully.

6. Metamorphosis: Embrace Change and Growth

Young adulthood is a time of transformation. Embrace the changes that come your way and see them as opportunities for growth.

· Reflect on your experiences: Learn from your mistakes and celebrate your successes.

· Be open to new possibilities: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things.

Remember, you are not alone. Building dauntless mental health is a journey, and there will be ups and downs along the way. But by cultivating these qualities, you can navigate the challenges of young adulthood with resilience, build a strong foundation for your future, and truly unleash your inner strength.

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reachout@dhrutitrust.org in case of difficulties navigating challenges in life. Dhruti’s unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy, combined with DHIDAM’s innovative approach, promises to be a formidable force in supporting young adults.