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Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Winter Months

Writer's picture: Sela HennanSela Hennan
Jan 20, 20232 min read


Wintertime in Ohio can be gloomy, to say the least. Temperatures drop dramatically, the clouds cover the sun, and all we want to do is curl up inside where it’s warm. It doesn’t help that Columbus only gets 36% of sun exposure in January, which equates to roughly 11 days out of a 31-day month.

This weather can especially impact individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. SAD is a type of depression that begins in the fall months and continues throughout the winter months, making individuals feel listless or down, have less energy than normal, oversleep, gain weight due to carbohydrate cravings, and have a lack of focus.

SAD in the winter occurs due to shorter days and lack of sunlight. This is believed to be linked to a chemical change involving melatonin in the brain. This also explains why individuals with SAD feel more tired and sluggish because the body makes more melatonin when it’s dark out.

According to the ADAA, SAD is a common disorder, impacting roughly 15 million adults, roughly 7.1% of the U.S. population. SAD typically starts around the age of thirteen years of age, affecting both women and men.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is not untreatable. There are ways to help lessen the winter blues. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, light therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and exposure to vitamin D are all known to help reduce SAD symptoms. Having access to a vitamin D supplement can sometimes help individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder because most individuals living with SAD also have vitamin D deficiencies. Light therapy is another option to help reduce SAD symptoms, as it exposes individuals to a bright light that mimics sunlight, making up for the reduced sunlight in the winter months. Finally, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps individuals replace the negative thoughts associated with the winter season with a more positive thought process. For instance, to combat loss of interest, therapists help people to pinpoint and schedule indoor and outdoor activities that are pleasant to them, making them feel more engaged during the winter months.

I asked sophomore Haley Decker about her thoughts about the winter and how it made her feel. She replied, “I hate the winter. It’s so sad and cold and miserable.” I also asked if she noticed a change in her demeanor or felt more tired during the winter months. She said, “I definitely feel more tired and less happy, especially because there’s no sunshine.”

Wintertime can especially be a challenge for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder. However, many options available can help individuals cope with their seasonal depression, offering hope for those struggling. In the midst of the darkness, some options can help bring light into the lives of those living with SAD.

 


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