By: Angela Dimaano, Features Editor
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or more commonly known as Seasonal Depression, is a condition that affects approximately six in every one hundred people. SAD more often occurs during the sunlight depleted winter months, but psychologists are still not fully sure on the direct implications of lacking sunlight intake.
The driving reason for why SAD occurs in the first place is a lack of sunlight, which points to the winter months as the prime time for experiencing SAD. According to KidsHealth.Org, experts point to two key chemicals in the brain that are thrown off by the change in sunlight. Melatonin is produced in our body to make us sleepy and this generally occurs at night, when we are supposed to be sleeping. However, in the winter months, sunlight becomes scarce as we push back the clock and the northern hemisphere of the Earth tilts away from the sun. Melatonin is produced at earlier hours, leading us to feel sluggish and tired when we attempt to be productive during the afternoon and early evening. The other chemical that is affected by the lack of sunlight is Serotonin. Serotonin regulates and affects many of our bodily functions ranging from sleeping to digesting. Increased exposure to sunlight is known to increase our levels of serotonin, improving our overall mood. As the sun sets earlier than before, we are exposed to less sunlight overall during the winter months. Low levels of serotonin causes negative moods and an increased chance of depression.
As the winter months progress, teens all over the world are experiencing seasonal affective disorder without even realizing it. Some general symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are changes in mood, lack of enjoyment, low energy, changes in sleep, changes in diet, difficulty concentrating, and less socialization. In my personal experience, I do find myself feeling tired and unmotivated the further we are in the semester. Although this may be burn out from working, the negative feelings are intensified by something as simple as the sun not being out. I don’t really notice a time where my mood does a complete 360, but instead the change in my feelings come gradually or in waves. Some days, the sun is out and everything is going well. Some other days, the sky is gloomy and nothing feels as if it’s going my way. A student at Mills commented similarly, “it’s something that doesn’t really “begin” so much as just sort of happen; you just start to wake up feeling awful and having a lot of changes in attitude”. While sunlight and chemical levels may be the first direct cause of seasonal depression, social media can also enhance and perpetuate our feelings. We find ourselves constantly scrolling through social media, looking for a boost of Serotonin in our times of isolation. By staying on social media for extended periods of time, we may be isolating ourselves even more, avoiding social contact with those we live with.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is something that we all feel in different magnitudes and it may be difficult to tackle these feelings on your own. There are many places students are able to find support in their times of trouble such as reaching out to our Wellness Counselors or talking to another trusted adult. Some other ways to cope with SAD is going on a walk, listening to your favorite music, or even eating some good food. If you believe you are suffering from severe emotional distress, see your primary physician for a treatment plan. Don’t be afraid to reach out when you need it, as there will always be people who can support you in your times of need.
