Seasonal Affective Disorder
What: form of depression with onset in winter months
Cause: decreased amount of daylight, higher production of melatonin
When: typically spanning October to March, when daylight hours are shorter
Symptoms
- striking change in mood from summer to winter
- physical slowing down
- feeling blue to totally dysfunctional
- trouble making it to class
- lose interest in school and friends
- more interpersonal relationship problems
- increase in need for sleep
- larger appetite
- weight gain of 10-15 lbs.
- low energy level
- craving for carbohydrate-rich foods
What You Can Do
- take regular walks outdoors
- eat healthy, regular outdoor exercise, contact with friends
- sit in bright spots when indoors
- bright light therapy - using full-spectrum light bulbs in the early morning
- antidepressant medication
- consider moving to a sunnier local, closer to the equator
Source
Moreines, R. (1989) Light up your blues - A guide to overcoming seasonal depression and fatigue.
Resources
Dr. Linda Keeler, psychiatrist
Counseling And Psychological Services
2nd Floor Watkins Health Center
785-864-2277