It's That Time of Year Again: Seasonal Affective Disorder

By Angela Abbott

The weather is cold, the skies are gray, and the sun seems practically nonexistent. No wonder spirits are not as sunny as the previous summer months. For some, this change in weather is not just a dark cloud, it’s a disorder.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

According to Ellen Lucas, associate director at the counseling center, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that starts around mid October and ends around mid March. “Life seems very negative and gloomy; kind of like how it is outdoors,” says Lucas.

Who’s At Risk?

“Younger persons are at a higher risk. Women are at a higher risk,” says Kent Bullis, medical director and physician of the Health Center. “I would consider it not an uncommon disorder. We see a fair share of it.”

What to Do About It

People who suffer from SAD have many options in coping with this disorder. Light therapy is a very helpful technique. According to Bullis, the light imitates the sun. Another affective treatment is antidepressants. Both Lucas and Bullis recommend exercise and a healthy diet.

Living With S

Junior Donna Grau was diagnosed with SAD last year. “I’m pretty sure I’ve had it since my freshman year because that’s when I really started noticing my mood change with the seasons.” When asked more about her disorder, Grau said, “When the trees start balding, that’s when I know it’s going to hit me; it’s like gray sky and black trees.” She advises to seek help for the problem than to pretend like it does not exist.

Summer SAD

SAD during summer is much less common, but it does exist. “Summer SAD is the reverse,” says Lucas. Amber Sabo, a junior at Ball State who suffers from Summer SAD says, “I stay inside in the summer. Sweat makes me angry; heat makes me angry. It’s all pretty annoying.”