Monday was Groundhog's Day, and Punxsutawney Phil predicted yet another six weeks of winter weather. This is great news for those who love the winter season, but for those who have seasonal affective disorder, the forecast could not be worse.
Seasonal affective disorder, more commonly referred to as SAD or the \winter blues,"" is a form of depression that strikes hardest in the winter. While it may occur in all age groups, it is more prevalent in older adults and college-aged people. SAD normally sets in as the amount of natural sunlight wanes during the fall and winter seasons, causing a change in the body's internal clock.
""[SAD] is a fairly common type of depression and up to 10 percent of people may have the full disorder, while 10 to 20 percent have some changes in mood,"" said Jeffrey Anders, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at University Health Services.
Some symptoms of SAD include a loss of interest in activities, low energy level, fatigue, cravings for sweets and sugars and an overall sad mood. To indicate SAD, these conditions must have lasted for at least two winter seasons. SAD is a long-term medical condition, not a short-term depression that disappears in a few days.
""The most important thing a person with SAD can do is to educate himself,"" Anders said.
Anders recommended the books ""Seasons of the Mind"" and ""Winter Blues,"" both written by Norman Rosenthal, as good resources on SAD.
Treatment for SAD does not have to involve any type of medication and can be as simple as using light therapy. Light therapy consists of basking in the glow of a special light bulb for between 30 and 60 minutes a day. Before spending $200 to $300 for a specialty light, however, students can test one from the UHS counseling services.
""People who are going to respond to lights will respond in two weeks,"" said Bob McGrath, the director of counseling and consultation services at UHS.
McGrath said another natural treatment option is to spend more time in the sun. He recommended taking a walk in the early morning before classes or studying by a sunny window. Walking outside is also a great way to shave off those extra pounds that have accumulated during winter break.
More information on UHS counseling services can be found at http://www.uhs.wisc.edu.
