it's okay to be s.a.d but maybe not for long

Feeling down this winter? It might be time for a mental health check-up. Scroll down for more info on Seasonal Affective Disorder or check the menu for resources.

About seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder or (S.A.D) most commonly known to occur in the winter, often refers as “winter blues”, when day and sunlight exposure is significantly less. It affects approximately 6% of the U.S. population annually, but more than more than 60% of them are not being treated.

However, a lot of international students may not be aware of SAD or may correlates the symptoms to culture shock or homesickness.

symptoms

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression with symptoms of both depression and affective disorder, varying between winter and summer patterns. Some of which may include: 


Symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sadness, anxiety, emptiness, or hopelessness for 2+ weeks
- Frustration, restlessness, or feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- Loss of interest in activities, trouble concentrating
- Sleep, appetite, or weight changes, with unexplained physical pain
- Thoughts of death, suicide, or suicide attempts

Winter-pattern SAD may also cause:
- Oversleeping (hypersomnia) and overeating
- Social withdrawal, feeling like “hibernating”

info sheet (nimh)

There are ways to cope with it!

Effective treatments for SAD fall into four main categories, which can be used alone or together:

Light Therapy

Vitamin D

Psychotherapy

Antidepressant medication

Light therapy and vitamin D specifically target winter-pattern SAD, while psychotherapy and antidepressants help manage depression, including both winter- and summer-pattern SAD. Click the dropbox below to explore options around your campus!


SAD can also be treated and being prevent by;

30

Minutes of walking everyday, or just 15 minutes anytime will increase the mood.

30

Minutes of light therapy every morning, with light box that emits 10,000 lux

60 

percent of people reported to have an improves symptoms after different therapies

"sometimes all you need is just a little bit of light"

Sometimes it is the light that can warm you up, it its a person who can talk with you

info sheet (nimh)