According to the National Institute of Mental Health, millions of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), more commonly referred to as seasonal depression, including young adults and college-aged students. SAD is a subtype of major depressive disorder that appears only at certain times of the year and reoccurs at the same time every year. SAD can appear in all types of people, but it is more common in women and those living in colder places that receive less sunlight.
Mia Young, a third-year clinical psychology student in the PhD program, said there are many signs of seasonal depression. Young said these signs can be organized into changes in three areas: thoughts, feelings and behavior.
According to Young, signs of SAD include but are not limited to: someone suddenly thinking lots of negative thoughts about themselves like blame or guilt, feeling sad, empty, unmotivated or hopeless and experiencing major changes in behavior like over-eating, excessive sleeping or doing fewer activities than usual. Young emphasized the importance of knowing these signs to help manage SAD.
“I think an important thing with seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder is to keep in mind how severe it can be,” said Young.
Research shows there are multiple treatment options for seasonal depression such as psychotherapy (talk therapy or counseling), taking antidepressants, light therapy, exercise, keeping up with interests and friends, maintaining healthy sleep habits and more. Young said keeping up commitments and relationships were important when dealing with SAD.
“Two big things are committing to the things that matter to us and connecting with other people,” Young said.
For BGSU students, there are multiple campus treatment options available. Students can go to the Counseling Center or the Psychological Services Center for psychotherapy on campus, or join an activity. Students interested in joining a campus affiliated activity can visit the student organization directory for a list of all the groups on campus.
The Student Rec Center (SRC) also offers a variety of options for individuals or groups. For full-time students, it is free to use the general facilities and gym and $30 for a semester-long group exercise pass.
Rebekah Monroe, a second-year clinical psychology student in the PhD program, is group fitness instructor at the SRC. Monroe said the classes offered at the SRC are a low-stress way to get moving.
“We offer a lot of things like pilates, yoga, cycling, body balance, strength…” Monroe said. “What I love about the group fitness classes is you don’t have to be motivated to work out, you just have to get there.”
With seasonal depression, it is important to remember that the symptoms are only temporary, and although that does not diminish their severity, relief is something for people to look forward to. Monroe said remembering that relief is coming and keeping the mind and body active in the meantime are some of the best ways to help students support themselves.
“Try really hard to do at least one of these things to support yourself. Whether that’s going to a group fitness class, going to therapy, there are always hotlines… Drink lots of water and try to move your body – it’s going to help,” Monroe said.
