Feeling blue? Maybe it's really SAD

By Kelli Palmer

March 14, 2005 | Do you feel like a bear during the winter season? Do you feel like you want to curl up and hibernate until winter is over? Well, it could be more than just the winter blues. You could be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

The National Mental Health Association defined SAD as "a shift in our biological clocks." These shifts occur with changes in sunlight patterns. This shift can cause inability to complete daily tasks and routines.

Symptoms of SAD, according to SADAssociation, are sleep problems, such as, a desire to oversleep and difficulty staying awake. Or in some cases, inability to sleep and early morning awakenings. Lethargy, which is the feeling of fatigue and inability to complete daily routine. Overeating, craving carbohydrates and fattening foods, ending in weight gain. Depression, which is feelings of misery, guilt and loss of self-esteem. Social problems, irritability and desire to avoid social situations. Anxiety, an inability to tolerate stress. Loss of libido, which involves a decreased interest in sex. Mood changes, which in some cases can result in extreme changes in mood and personality.

Often times, victims of SAD have weakened immune systems and become more susceptible to illness during the winter months.

According to, The Epidemiology of SAD, about 70-80 percent of those who are affected by SAD are women. In most cases the common age of onset is mid 30s, however, there have been instances of childhood SAD. The predominance of SAD heightens with increasing latitude. Symptoms of SAD continue to come back year after year at about the same time every year. Child abuse can be linked to SAD and the winter months, according to About Light, Depression and Melatonin. Child abuse increases during winter and may be attributed to lack of sunlight.

There are treatments available for SAD according to, SAD-Seasonal Affective Disorder. Medication is prescribed to patients suffering from severe symptoms.

Eating a more nutritious diet can lessen the effects of SAD. Eating fruits, grains and potatoes can increase seritonin levels which will stimulate energy. Exercise improves mood and self-esteem. It has been proven that exercise with exposure to sunlight can be beneficial.

Counseling can help to develop new ways of thinking and coping with the disorder.

There are theories about how light affects mood. A large number of studies have concluded that light therapy does help those suffering from SAD. Special lamps are available to create light for those who lack natural sunlight regularly. These lamps are especially popular in Alaska and the North West. Cache Valley has no exception to SAD. According to Jim Davis, M.D. at Utah Sate University's Student Health and Wellness Center, 6- 8 percent of people get seasonal affective disorder. The symptoms he has seen in the USU students who attend the Wellness Center, are most often an inability to concentrate at school and work, suffering relationships, and severe mood swings. "Sometimes they just feel sad and sometimes they cry," Davis said.

Cassandra Garlick, an undeclared sophmore, said she feels depressed during the winter months and when she doesn't see the sun on a regular basis. She said she can feel herself wearing down, needing more sleep and becoming more irritable.

Danny Flint, a sophmore majoring in engineering, said he was skeptical of the disorder and thinks if students just start going outside and enjoying the weather while skiing or snowmobiling then people wouldn't get depressed.

According to some physicians this is a disorder and does occur in many lives.

Some activities to reduce the effects of SAD are to take morning and mid-day walks, reduce fat intake, or start a new hobby.

If you think you may be experiencing SAD contact the USU Wellness Center at 797-1010.

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