Feeling SAD?

Now that November is here, the colder weather, rainy days, and absence of sunlight is here, too. If you think the weather sucks like many first generation or low income college students do, you might lack the motivation to tackle everyday activities. Midterms, papers, and even just going to class can seem unbearable.

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If this sounds like you and the winter weather has you feeling down in the dumps, it could be more than just feeling a little under the weather. It could be Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. I've dealt with a few students that didn't even know this was why they hated winter...

SAD, also called winter depression or seasonal depression, is a form of depression that comes about as the seasons change, probably related to the amount of available daylight (or lack thereof). About six percent of people in the US suffer from SAD, with another 10 to 20 percent experiencing a milder form of seasonal depression.

Symptoms of SAD include trouble sleeping, changes in eating habits, lack of energy, irritability, a lack of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable, unexplained physical aches and pains, and ongoing feelings of guilt and hopelessness. You know it's SAD when these symptoms occur to such a degree that they mess with your everyday life.

For people with SAD, these symptoms typically begin around age 20 and usually return every year around the same time. It is also more common in women than in men and usually affects people in the fall and winter. Folks with SAD tend to feel better during the spring and summer.

If you think you or someone you know might have SAD, please, please, please seek out help. Your campus might have resources or you may find them out in your community. Where ever they are, just use your resources so that you can feel above the weather instead of under it. Bundle up and feel better!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.