Winter is here, but it is not an easy time of year for some.
The winter season brings cold weather, shorter days, and grey skies, and for some people this can cause what is known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD.
This disorder is estimated to affect 10 million Americans, with women being four times more likely to have SAD, according to a Psychology Today article.
“Seasonal affective disorder is depression that’s where the symptoms seem to appear when there is less light,” said Dr. Charlene Patterson a licensed psychologist at UNO’s Counseling and Psychological Services.
Sunlight exposure produces Vitamin D, which helps balance mood and sleep hormones in the brain. Patterson says this lack of sunlight causes the disorder and that the symptoms closely mirror other major depressive disorders.
“Lack of concentration, maybe more sadness or pessimism in their outlook and a lack of feeling that there’s well-being,” said Patterson.
Seasonal affective disorder can greatly impact college students. According to the National Institute of Mental Healthwebsite, younger adults have a much higher risk of having SAD than older adults. UNO senior Andrew Ochoa says the disorder has affected him each year of his college career.
“I guess will to sit down and actually study the material that your supposed to and retaining that information it just becomes a lot harder and you don’t want to actually do it,” said Ochoa.
SAD can affect student’s ability sleep, either sleeping too much or too little. And this can affect their ability to study and concentrate, putting their academics at risk.
“It just makes you feel down like unmotivated to really do anything,” said Ochoa.
If you’re struggling with seasonal affective disorder, talk to a licensed professional to discuss possible treatments. UNO Counseling and Psychological Services are available to help any student struggling with seasonal affective disorder.
