During the winter months, as the sun starts to set earlier, many individuals struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as Seasonal Depression. This condition goes beyond just the “winter blues;” it affects a person’s ability to function and complete daily tasks.

   According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, SAD is a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter, especially after the holidays. The idea is that shorter days and lack of sunlight cause a chemical imbalance in the brain, which creates a state of depression. A lack of vitamin D and increased melatonin production can also be factors.

   “I think seasonal depression is a mixture of post-stress from the holidays mixed with cold weather,” health and medical sciences teacher Nicole Spencer said. “As a society, we put so much energy into holidays that causes us to ramp up unnecessary anxiety. When it is over, we have a crash of emotions that can leave us feeling empty when everything is done.”

   Many people suffer from symptoms of SAD but have no idea that it is a real form of depression. The National Institute of Mental Health states that individuals who are already diagnosed with a form of depression or bipolar disorder are more likely to struggle with SAD. Symptoms can include drowsiness, lack of interest in daily activities, anxiety, hopelessness and increased appetite.

   The Cleveland Clinic reports that women between the ages of 18 and 30 are more likely to experience SAD. Approximately 5% of adults in the United States suffer from this form of depression. 

   “You just feel bleh, like you don’t want to do anything,” senior Madison Beall said. “Especially during winter months, you are stuck inside, there is not as much sun and it is harder to go out and do things and be with friends. It bogs down your vitality and what you want to do.”

   If experiencing symptoms of SAD or any form of depression, visit a psychologist or psychiatrist. They look at things like increased depression symptoms, consecutive depressive episodes taking place during the same seasons, and depressive episodes happening more often during one season than others.

   According to the Cleveland Clinic, the treatment options for SAD are light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, antidepressants, time outdoors and vitamin D.  Light therapy consists of white fluorescent light bulbs with a cover to block harmful ultraviolet rays. This light is supposed to replace the sunlight during the winter months and can encourage the brain to produce less melatonin and more serotonin.

   On the other hand, many people believe that SAD does not exist and that a lack of sunlight has no effect on people’s mental health. According to Scientific American, a study from the Center for Disease Control looked at connections between high scores on a depression screening and seasons, latitudes and hours of daylight. This study showed no signs of SAD. However, the data of this study could have easily been misinterpreted as it is just one study out of many. The majority of studies and data collections prove that SAD is a real form of depression that affects many people during the winter. 

   “I think [people believe it is fake because] it’s part denial and part they themselves do not feel it so it must not be real,” Spencer said. “This is very egocentric, and sometimes we have to take a step back from ourselves and say it’s okay, I’m not experiencing it, but I understand they are.”

   The sooner society becomes aware of SAD and how it impacts people, the easier it will be to treat. The stigma around mental health conditions is apparent, and SAD is no exception. However, it is a serious mental health condition and is nothing to be ashamed of.