It’s that time of year again. We just turned our clocks back and the days are shorter, nights longer, and temperatures chillier. It seems like midnight when it’s only 5:30 p.m., and bundling up with hot chocolate and Netflix is the only thing on our mind. The days feel a little more melancholy than normal, and we can’t tell if it’s just a slump, end-of-the-semester stress, or something more.
If you suffer from a deep sadness or depression in the fall/winter months, you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)*, which is a type of depression related to the changing seasons. When the clocks turn back from Daylight Savings Time, the sunshine decreases, which also drops levels of serotonin, a hormone related to mood. The light difference can also affect your biological clock because the change can lower the level of melatonin in your body, which aids in sleep.
Unfortunately as college-aged women living in Ohio, we are the main group it affects. SAD is most common in women, younger adults, and those living farther north. It’s not surprising to see this around campus or hear symptoms expressed by your friends and family. Some of the symptoms of SAD that we can see every day are increased sleep, weight gain, cravings for carbs (those late night pizza orders), a sluggish feeling, irritability, problems getting along with people (sorry, roomies), and social withdrawal. These can take a turn for the worse if SAD leads to missing classes, feeling hopeless or worthless, substance abuse, and thoughts of death or suicide.
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Some at-home remedies for SAD are opening blinds, going for a walk in the daylight, exercising regularly, practicing yoga and meditation, and even massage therapy. Not only will they help brighten your mood, but they’ll make your body feel better too. If you believe you are experiencing SAD, talk to your doctor. They may recommend medications, psychotherapy, or light therapy, if the at-home remedies do not help.
To view a Good Morning American segment on SAD, click here.
* This is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. This is for general knowledge of SAD. If anyone experiences these symptoms, talk to your doctor.
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