Feeling SAD this winter? This may help
Abigail Dickerson, Staff Writer and Photographer
When the colder months roll around, for many people, it is the time when the SAD kicks in.
Seasonal Feeling of Loneliness. Photo by Abby Dickerson.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is often referred to as SAD. According to the Mayo clinic, “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year.” This disorder can affect how students perform in their work during the changing of the seasons.
Steve Bielby, counselor and coordinator of clinical counseling services at North Greenville University said, “The most prominent symptoms are sleepiness or sleeping too much, carbohydrate cravings and eating too much with accompanying weight gain, and low energy or fatigue.”
Each of these symptoms are avoidable with proper prevention. As with many disorders, prevention is key. There are different things that you can do to prevent the worst case scenario when it comes to things like SAD. Taking steps towards prevention early on may slow the effects overall.
Due to the cloudy days in the middle of winter, students do not receive the amount of vitamin D that they need to stay healthy. Bielby said, “A Vitamin D supplement may elevate a low level of serotonin which affects mood.”
Whether you feel the effects of SAD or not, go outside and get some vitamin D and see what it can do for your mood. With low temperatures throughout the winter and icy weather conditions, students are often encouraged to stay indoors. While this may be for the safety of the students, they still need their vitamin D. Taking a supplement is another way to supply your body with the vitamin it needs when going out is not an option.
After prolonged periods of being indoors, students may feel the effects of SAD at a more extreme level.
“Plenty of sleep, relaxing activities, and exercise are all coping strategies to help you be proactive in managing your symptoms,” said Bielby.
These methods are not meant to be an overnight fix, but rather a simple step in the right direction each day.
If you are feeling down this season, reach out to a friend, classmate or family member. When feeling the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder, do not be afraid to reach out and talk to someone. Students of North Greenville have access to the NGU Counseling center while enrolled. Take advantage of what they have to offer you as a student.
