WHAT IS S.A.D AND HOW TO AVOID IT

In the state of Tennessee, four to six percent of people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) according to www. tn.gov. That may not seem like a lot of people, but in the most recent United States (US) Census, Tennessee is home to around seven million people. That means four percent of our population is 282,053.56 people, and six percent is a whopping 423,080.34 people. That is five hundred and twenty-nine times the population of the world’s smallest country, Vatican City. To scale this down to Highland Academy size means that five to eight people on campus at any given time during most of the school season are affected by SAD. Plus, consider that these statistics are solely based on diagnosed cases. The number is presumed to be much higher throughout the US as well as Tennessee and thus on the school campus.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to changes in season — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. Although it is something of which doctors are very aware, the specific cause of SAD remains unknown. Some factors that may come into play include:

- Your biological clock: The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression

- Serotonin levels: A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin which may trigger depression.

- Melatonin levels: The change in season can disrupt the balance of the therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy. Research has shown it effectively treats SAD, producing the longestlasting effects of any treatment approach.

- Antidepressant medication: Sometimes, providers recommend medication for depression, either alone or with light therapy. - Spending time outdoors: Getting more sunlight can help improve symptoms. Try to get out during the day, and increase the amount of sunlight that enters your home or personal space. SAD can be debilitating for some and can feel like the end of the world, but it is important to remember that summer does come.

Talking to a doctor and or taking steps to better your mental health can greatly improve symptoms of SAD. If you find yourself struggling with symptoms like SAD:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

2. Make sure you’re getting enough sunlight and vitamin D.

3. Remember that things will get better no matter how hard they seem right now.

The Bible talks about how Christians can persevere during hard times. Lamentations 3:2224 says, and because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself ;The LORD is my

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portion; therefore, I will wait for him;” (NIV). God never leaves us. He has promised to be with us through everything, including SAD.

- Spending time outdoors: Getting more sunlight can help improve symptoms. Try to get out during the day, and increase the amount of sunlight that enters your home or personal space. SAD can be debilitating for some and can feel like the end of the world, but it is important to remember that summer does come.

Talking to a doctor and or taking steps to better your mental health can greatly improve symptoms of SAD. If you find yourself struggling with symptoms like SAD:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

2. Make sure you’re getting enough sunlight and vitamin D.

3. Remember that things will get better no matter how hard they seem right now. The Bible talks about how Christians can persevere during hard times. Lamentation 3:22-24 says, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morningreat is your faithfulness. I say to myself, The LORD is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him;” (NIV). God never leaves us. He has promised to be with us through everything, including SAD.