Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that relates to seasonal changes. According to the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20021047), symptoms of SAD often begin in fall and continue until the end of winter. Unfortunately for Chicago citizens, “winter,” often overstays its welcome, and its frigid temperatures and stinging winds have the tendency to contribute to SAD more than other cities.
While not everyone suffers from SAD – after all, sometimes we are simply having a bad week, unrelated to climate conditions – it is important to take the appropriate steps to keep yourself happy and healthy as we begin the spring semester.
According to Mental Health America (http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/sad), the onset of seasonal depression is happens around the age range of 20-30 years old, but it can appear earlier. Common symptoms are associated with those of depression, and should not be overlooked.
Mental Health America states that the cause for seasonal depression can be blamed on two chemicals – serotonin and melatonin. Many know that serotonin is a chemical responsible for affecting mood, and lower levels of this chemical are often correlated with depression. Melatonin, however, is also related to SAD, because the shorter days and longer hours of darkness onset increased levels of melatonin in the brain. Many college students (myself included), take melatonin supplements when having trouble sleeping, and the release of this chemical in the brain can cause our “internal clocks” to be out of touch with “external clocks.”
Here at Her Campus, we want to fight the stigma against mental health issues. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you notice you are experiencing any symptoms of seasonal depression or any other issue. Loyola has numerous resources to assist students with mental health obstacles, so do not hesitate to visit the wellness center and take advantage of Loyola’s educational resources.
It is important to note that this is not professional medical advice. Please seek out a doctor if you notice that you may be experiencing seasonal depression.