Going to work or class in the dark, spending the day indoors andreturning home in the dark may make some students depressed becauseof the lack of sunlight.
The condition, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder may bealleviated by spending more time in sunlight, Jay Zimmerman,associated director of Ball State's Counseling Center, said.
According to Light Therapy Products Web site, SAD is a type ofdepression that reoccurs mainly beginning in fall, Septemberthrough November, and ending in spring, March through May.
"People who have SAD tend to become very sad mainly in thewinter time, and it can sometimes affect daily functioning," KentBullis, medical director of Ball State's Health Center, said. "Itcan cause to quit attending classes or quit going to work."
Symptoms of SAD include feeling social withdrawal, wanting to bealone and certainly thinking about dead and suicide. If studentshave these signs, they should ask for help, Bullis said.
Zimmerman said about 11 million people are diagnosed with thisdisorder. Women comprise about four times as many people with SADthan men. It tends to be more prevalent in younger people and withpeople who live in the higher latitudes where it is dark longer inthe winter, he said.
"Sometimes there are normal down periods that go with changingof semesters or seasonal jobs that might leave someone unemployedin the winter, Zimmerman said. "These downs are not to be confusedwith SAD. If someone has been depressed before, there is a historyof depression in the family or your depression persists no matterwhat you try or you are feeling suicidal you should consult aprofessional," Zimmerman said.
According to Light Therapy Products Web site, based on thepresence of specific symptoms, as in the case of major depression,the diagnosis of SAD is a clinical one. To meet the standard forSAD, there should be at least three episodes of mood disturbance inthree separate seasons, at least two of which are consecutive.There should be no association between the disturbance andsituational stresses, such as being unemployed each winter.
Zimmerman said the most effective treatment is to have a dailyexposure to light at least as bright as a spring morning on a clearday. Students can make sure that their residence hall room or theiroffice or home is well lit, he said.
He recommends to Install brighter light bulbs, to paint walls alighter color, to allow natural light to shine through by trimmingbushes in front of windows and to tie back or remove heavydrapes.
"Whenever possible, sit near a window in restaurants, the officeand cars," Zimmerman said. "Consider going outside withoutsunglasses to let your eyes take in the light. Take a walk outsideeven if it is cold - just dress warmly."
Zimmerman said if symptoms were serious, many doctors recommendusing light therapy.
"The light should be at least equivalent to ten 100-watt bulbs.The light does not need to be from special daylight lamps or fullspectrum lamps," Zimmerman said. "Sit in front of the light for 15to 45 minutes and try several different exposure lengths until youfind the time that works for you, allowing the light to reach youreyes. But do not stare directly into the lights."
Bullis said a tanning bed could be helpful; however, it's notgood for people's skin. Besides, planning to go to some sunnyplaces for a vacation can be a healthier treatment.
In addition to daily exposure to light, students can eat morehealthily and not overdue carbohydrate. Also, the tendency is towithdraw from people but it might be best to plan activities withothers to overcome the loneliness that can come with depression.Besides, students should lower expectations of themselves since SADcan lead to lower productivity, Zimmerman said.
If students think they have SAD, the Health Center and theCounseling Center are available to help, Bullis said.
According to National Mental Health Association Web site,symptoms of SAD include:
* Depression (excessive eating and sleeping, weight gain) duringthe fall or winter months
* Lack of energy
* Decreased interest in work or significant activities
* Full remission from depression occur in the spring and summermonths
* Symptoms have occurred in the past two years, with nononseasonal depression episodes
* Social withdrawal
* Low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness or guilt
* Afternoon slumps with depressed energy and concentration
* Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
* A craving for sugary and/or starchy foods
* Suicidal thoughts
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