Amy Keller, a high school senior living in northeast Ohio, thought she just had a bad case of the winter blues. As the air started getting frigid, and the trees shed almost all their leaves, her spirits began to drop with the first feathery snowflakes. She had become lethargic, and seemed to be preparing for winter hibernation as she began eating more and more. SAD is thought to be caused when the body increases its production of Melatonin, a sleep inducing hormone. This increase in production happens when the amount of accessible daylight shortens, beginning late fall. As spring begins, the symptoms of
According to Nursing magazine, the symptoms of SAD are closely related to those of depression, and include inability to sleep, apathy, feelings of shame and worthlessness, and even thoughts of suicide. People suffering from SAD may also experience intense cravings for carbohydrates and sugar. This may lead to weight gain, only adding to feelings of depression. These symptoms must continue for two or more winters before a diagnosis can be made.
The most prescribed method of treatment for SAD is light therapy. People suffering from this disorder are advised to sit near a light source for 30 minutes to 2 hours each day. This usually relieves symptoms within two weeks. Some light devices can be programmed to automatically turn on in the morning to create a predawn simulation. If light therapy does not work, drugs can be prescribed. However, these drugs tend to have negative side effects such as increase in suicidal thoughts.
If you have been experiencing symptoms of depression for more than a week and think that you may be suffering from SAD there are ways to get help on campus. Counseling and Psychological Services is located on the third floor of Hudson Health Center. It is equipped with professionals willing and able to help those suffering from SAD. Their office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and walk-in appointments are available between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. | |
story by Brittany Timmons picture by Alana Geoghegan | |