Seasonal affective disorder

During certain times of the year do you feel your appetite changing out of nowhere, low energy, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, higher irritability, weight gain, increased appetite, oversleeping, or troubles sleeping? If this is you, then you might be suffering from seasonal depression.

Seasonal affective disorder also known as SAD, is a type of depression that is triggered by the changes in the weather and seasons. It’s a mood disorder characterized by depression that occurs at the same time every year. It usually starts for most around the beginning of fall and ends around early spring. Less sunlight and shorter days are thought to be linked to a chemical reaction change in the brain and may be part of the cause of SAD. About five percent of adults in the United States will experience SAD. It tends to start in young adulthood, around the age 17 to 25.

“Of course, it depends on the person, but I think generally speaking the winter months can feel very long and disheartening. For me, it’s definitely harder to get out of bed in the morning, warm up my car on a cold day, or be patient on the road after a snowstorm. There are days that I have brain fog, can’t think clearly, or forget to do something I told a student that I would take care of. Sometimes I will just feel frustrated or be in a bad mood all day, and I can’t figure out why. I think it’s important for teachers and school staff to be open with students about how they’re feeling. Let students know if they’re having a bad day, or just not feeling it. Nobody has 100 percent perfect days, and that’s okay! As long as you’re showing up to the best of your ability I think it’s important to give yourself grace and be patient. Try some different coping strategies or treat yourself to something you enjoy!” counselor Michael Freund said.

How is it diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, see your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. You may have another reason for your depression, many times, Seasonal Affective Disorder is part of a more complicated mental heath issue. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. When you see these mental heath care professionals will ask you all about your symptoms and see if there is a bigger problem behind your seasonal depression.

“Seasonal depression is actually more common in teens than adults and shows up as irritability, tiredness, low energy, and oversleeping. Seasonal depression is especially common during the fall and winter months due to the cold weather and gray skies impacting serotonin, melatonin, and vitamin D levels. However, seasonal depression can also be present during the spring and summer,” Therapist Emily Cave said.

How is it treated?

There is many different ways to treat and help your seasonal depression. There is four main treatments such as Cognitive therapy, Light therapy, psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, and vitamin D. The most common treated used is the psychotherapy, which is a talk therapy with a psychiatrist or a therapist.

“I would help a student with seasonal depression by using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help them identify their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I would