The Dark Ages: When “Cabin Fever” Becomes Seasonal Affective Disorder

Days are growing shorter and deep winter is rapidly approaching. The cold is setting in and students can be seen bundled head to toe in their heaviest winter gear. Living in the Midwest can be difficult in winter even if having to walk a mile to class isn’t a factor. 

For some, ordinary “cabin fever” passes over to diagnosed depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a type of depression that recurs during the same season every year. Having SAD does not always mean that a person is clinically depressed for the whole year, but it could mean that a person’s depression may worsen in a specific season.

“It is a disorder that seems to have its roots in the affect of light on the brain,” said Nancy Stockton, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at the IU Health Center. “Some people are more sensitive than others to the lack of sunlight.”

SAD is more common in people who live where days in the winter are shortened, people between the ages of fifteen and fifty-five and … women.

Women are much more susceptible to SAD than men. Women are also more likely to suffer from major depression.

“There are several things to be considered because the symptoms are virtually the same as those of depression,” said Stockton.

Feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, lack of energy, poor motivation and the lack of the capability to take pleasure in things are some of the major signs of depression and SAD. Stockton suggested that if a student is feeling some of these things they should perhaps think about seeking professional help.

Stockton said, “I think it is very important for people who have these symptoms to consult with a professional and make sure they don’t have clinical depression that recurs at the same time of year.”

Stockton also believes that some of these symptoms could simply be “cabin fever” and is nothing to worry about if students structure their lives to it.

“Some people just psychologically don’t like winter,” said Stockton. “They don’t like cold weather, they don’t like short days. So, winter is a little harder for them and that’s not necessarily the same thing as the brain being affected by the lack of sunlight.”

Stockton suggests good structure; exercise and taking pleasure in things that you do throughout the whole year as a good way to prevent getting down in the cold winter months ahead.

“I think that being sure they structure things for themselves is good,” she said. “We know exercise makes people feel better and it’s harder to get out and exercise when the weather is miserable. I think structure can go a long way and so is making sure one’s environment is well-lit and cheerful.”

SAD may not affect everyone, but getting down in the winter is common for many, especially on campus where reminders of the weather are everywhere. Stockton believes that students can be active in keeping positivity in their lives.

“We just all have to be creative about good ways of self-care in these dark days,” she said.