The approach of winter may bring excitement to many of us, but for those who experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the shorter hours of sunlight can bring about the “winter blues.”
According to materials provided by Elizabethtown College’s Health Promotion Program, which consists of Assistant Director of Health Promotion Joni Eisenhauer and seven Student Wellness Advocacy Group (SWAG) students, SAD affects about 5 percent of the US population.
Also called seasonal depression, SAD is categorized as a subtype of depression or bipolar disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), SAD episodes can also be associated with the spring and summer months, but these are much less common than episodes in the winter.
Symptoms of SAD typically manifest for the first time between the ages of 20 and 30, though younger individuals may be affected.
Symptoms may include certain symptoms of depression, including apathy, loss of self-esteem and lessened interest in activities, reduced ability to tolerate stress, mood changes, sleep problems, lethargy, overeating and social problems.
SAD results from a metabolic imbalance in the brain.
“When the days have shorter periods of sunlight during the late fall and winter, the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin in our bodies are disrupted,” Director of Student Wellness Dr. Bruce Lynch said. “These changes contribute to depressive symptoms.”
According to Mental Health America, melatonin, “which can affect sleep patterns and mood, is produced at increased levels in the dark.”
This increase is part of the changes that occur due to the decreased sunlight of the winter.
Also according to Mental Health America, “Melatonin can also affect an individual’s circadian rhythm, or ‘biological clock’ […]”.
In short, while many of us may be adversely affected by the shorter days that arrive every fall, those with SAD experience physical changes that cause their symptoms.
“Some people aren’t even aware that they have [SAD],” College Health Liaison Eileen Wagener said.
However, for those who are aware of their SAD, there are many ways to treat the disorder.
“A student who is concerned that they may have [SAD] is welcome to talk with a counselor in our office for free,” Lynch said.
Speaking with a counselor can help with a variety of problems a student may face. Students can make counseling appointments by calling 717-361-1405 or visiting the counseling office in BSC 216.
Greater exposure to sunlight is another way of treating SAD.
“Most people with seasonal affective disorder will buy a sun lamp,” Wagener said.
A sun lamp, which mimics natural sunlight, is available for use by all students in Counseling Services’ Relaxation Room.
This room and its implements are available for use by all students, whether they have SAD or not.
However, the sun lamp may be an ideal resource to utilize should a student suspect that they have SAD.
Additionally, SAD “can be treated with antidepressants,” Wagener said.
Because SAD is a type of depression, it can be treated by many of the same methods as clinical depression.
According to the NIMH, SAD is four times more likely to be diagnosed in women than in men, and those who live further from the equator, where seasonal weather is more extreme, are more likely to experience SAD.
SAD is also more commonly found in young adults than older adults.
The prevalence of these factors in the lives of many Etown students suggest that most of us are likely to know someone with SAD.
Lynch encourages students to support their friends who have SAD by “expressing concern to their friend, listening and being non-judgmental and letting their friend know about the available support resources.”
Counseling Services, Student Wellness and the Etown community are all available for students experiencing SAD.
