By Cassie Duerson, Louisa County High School Guest Writer

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 daily life.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, SAD is a form of depression that typically 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, causing a state of depression, as well as a lack of Vitamin D and increased melatonin.

“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. Typically, individuals who are already diagnosed with a form of depression or bipolar disorder are more likely to suffer from SAD. Symptoms can include drowsiness, lack of interest in activities, anxiety, or hopelessness.

The Cleveland Clinic states 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.

A psychiatrist or psychologist will be the one to diagnose SAD. They look at things like increased depression symptoms, consecutive depressive episodes taking place during the same seasons, and depressive episodes happening more often. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the treatment options for SAD consist of light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, antidepressants, time outdoors, and Vitamin D.
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 it is nothing to be ashamed of.

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