Seasonal depression, otherwise known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of mood disorder that is recognized by its patterned symptoms that appear usually in the around the end of daylights saving, which set for November 3rd, and often times follow into winter; however, winter is not the only season this can occur.
What does SAD look like? SAD has various symptoms, but it’s commonly known for the intense mood swings that can affect a person’s appetite, energy level, ability to concentrate and more. However, these symptoms look different on everyone, and everyone handles it a different way. For example, some people may deal with more physical problems, like issues with sleep, while others may deal with more emotional ones such as loneliness.
These are all adverse effects that can affect learning environments like Bellwood-Antis, touching teachers and students alike.
“The biggest thing about the cold months is that people are outside less which is good for mental health. People aren’t as active socially which affects your mood because people need to be with other people.” says Mr. Stewart, who co runs Avideum, a mental health support club at B-A, alongside Mr. McNaul.
Being socially active is a big factor in who we are as people, and when we don’t socialize as often in the colder time of year it can be isolating. The problem is, in the winter months, when daylight hours are shorter and cold weather keeps people indoors, many people have fewer chances to be around others, so it’s important to find things that help you. It could be reaching out to friends and family or even finding things to just keep yourself busy.
“I find new things to do, when it gets darker outside. It doesn’t mean you can’t do stuff and get creative” says Mr. McNaul.
Finding new hobbies is not the only method used to help decrease the symptoms for example, light therapy. Light therapy is a method of therapy where the patient is exposed to bright light which in turn changes brain chemicals to improve their mood. It acts as a way for you to get more “sunlight”. But what else can you do? Taking the opportunities here at school to be social, such as going to a basketball game, or finding creative outlets can help reduce those feelings during this time of year.
Normal clinical therapy is also used which greatly improves peoples feeling of loneliness and helplessness when feeling depressed and will help you find ways to help you.
SAD is unfortunately a very difficult thing for many, so if you or someone you know may be dealing with it then it’s important to get the help you may need.
