 "Photo: photo illustrations by Jeff Gentner")
Temperatures are decreasing, the sun is setting earlier and, for some, depression could be settling in.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of winter depression affecting an estimated half a million people every winter, according to the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association.
For many people, SAD is a serious disabling illness that prevents normal functioning without continuous medical treatment. For others, the ailment is a mild condition causing discomfort, but not severe suffering. This is what many refer to as a case of the "winter blues" or subsyndromal SAD, according to the SAD Association.
"I get more tired in the winter," Megan Zavolta, graduate student from Wheeling, said. "I don't like to get out of bed or to leave the house. Work in general seems to be more of a hassle when it gets cold outside."
SAD is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain due to the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in the winter, according to the SAD Association.
Amy Saunders, from Student Health Education Programs, said, "If students see a change that they are not getting up for class or are having sad or suicidal thoughts, they should be seen (by a professional counselor)."
Saunders said the university offers free counseling services to students, which are paid for by activity fees.
"The more students withdrawal and isolate themselves the worse the depression will get," Saunders said.
She warned alcohol consumption only makes depression worse and will counteract any anti-depressant that is taken.
"Our counselors will work with students to develop activities to help change their activities and moods," Saunders said.
She said students should look for signs such as changes in eating and sleep patterns, feelings of sadness and poor concentration on schoolwork.
The symptoms of SAD usually recur each winter, according to the SAD Association. A diagnosis can be made after three or more consecutive winters of symptoms.
According to the SAD Association, symptoms include sleep problems, usually a desire to oversleep and difficulty staying awake; lethargy, a feeling of fatigue and an inability to carry out normal routine; overeating, a craving for carbohydrates and sweet foods; depression, feelings of misery, guilt, loss of self-esteem, apathy, hopelessness and despair; social problems, irritability and a desire to avoid social contact; anxiety, tension and inability to tolerate stress; and loss of libido, decreased interest in sex and physical contact.
"I get more reclusive in the winter and like to be much more alone," Matt Cahal, English junior from Akron, Ohio, said.
Binni Bieler, associate professor of psychiatrics from the University Psychiatric Assoc-iation, said SAD is common among residents in the Huntington area.
"You see a lot of people in this area with Seasonal Affective Disorder," she said.
According to the SAD Association, most sufferers of SAD show signs of weakened immune systems during the winter and are more vulnerable to infections and other illnesses.
Bieler said, "Number one is to get out in the sunlight as much as possible and try to sleep regular hours."
According to the SAD Association, other treatments inlcude light therapy, antidepressant drugs, psychotherapy, counseling and complementary therapy.
"SAD is a biological illness and can be treated with anti-depressant therapy," Bieler said.
Bieler and Saunders said studies about light therapy are inconclusive but appear to work best in combination with therapy or anti-depressants.
Light therapy has been proven effective in up to 85 percent of diagnosed cases, according to the SAD Association.
Light therapy involves intense light exposure, up to four hours per day, during the winter to very bright light, which is at least 10 times the intensity of ordinary domestic lighting.
Bieler said these types of lights can be purchased for the home over the Internet. She said ordinary light bulbs are not strong enough to combat SAD. According to the SAD Association, the average domestic or office light emits an intensity of 200-500 lux – the minimum dose necessary to treat SAD is 2,500.
In comparison, a bright summer day can be 100,000 lux. Many Marshall students said the change of seasons impacts their moods and behavior.
"I am more of a recluse in the winter but my mood doesn't really change," Travis Capeheart, an integrated science sophomore from Beckley, said.
Tasha Hanks, athletic training sophomore from Summersville, said, "During the winter I sleep because there is nothing else to do."
Carla Lapelle, associate dean of student affairs, said, "Anybody who actually has the disorder or not will do better if they get out of their surroundings and are active during the winter."
Students who think they may suffer from SAD or other forms of depresion can obtain free counseling in Pritchard Hall. A counselor is on call 24 hours a day at 696-3111.
Be the first to comment on this article!