If you’ve felt down during the winter months, maybe there’s more to blame than bad weather. Seasonal affective disorder is a common mood disorder that affects Minnesotans at a higher rate.
By: Lauren Borchart
This year kicked off with Minnesota’s coldest January in eight years. For some students, though, the temperature wasn’t the only challenge of winter.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that appears in people at the same time each year and usually affects those who live in cold, northern climates. Minnesotans are more at risk of SAD, according to Dr. Jean Larson, a graduate professor in the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota.
“A study done in 2013 found the prevalence of SAD approaches 10 percent in northern latitudes, which makes sense because the further one is from the equator, the lesser amount of sunlight,” she says. “And some studies show that those living in Minnesota have the highest rates of seasonal affective disorder.”
People usually begin feeling the effects of SAD around ages 20-30, according to Larson. That means college students may be wondering why they are feeling these symptoms at the same time they are trying to complete coursework and plan for the future.
But how do you know if your symptoms are the result of SAD or another depressive disorder? It can be difficult to discern. If your mood is lifting a bit with the re-emergence of more daylight, you might consider SAD as one possibility.
“Keeping in mind there are similarities, a diagnosis of seasonal depression can only be made after two consecutive occurrences of depression that begin and end at the same time every year, with the symptoms subsiding the rest of the year,” Larson said.
Symptoms include depression, anxiety, mood changes, sleep problems, change in eating habits, lethargy, social problems and sexual problems. If it is SAD, the symptoms can be treated by increasing time spent outside.
“I recommend starting a daily practice now to establish a routine when it may be more difficult to initiate one later. Research suggests a simple routine, such as going outside for 30 minutes each day, can improve your overall well-being. These effects can include stress reduction, increased physical activity and better sleep quality,” Larson said.
Waiting for spring isn’t an easy solution. Because SAD can be very disruptive to daily lives, finding the time or energy to do a daily routine isn’t always possible. Clinical solutions can also help. Psychotherapy can offer people with SAD coping strategies for handling symptoms during winter. Medication, like antidepressants, can also improve mood for some.
Light therapy lamps are another potential solution. These lights expose people to extra minutes of natural light each day through artificial bulbs made to mimic sunlight. At the University of Minnesota, students can reserve study space in designated SAD light stations at Magrath Library.
The Minnesota Student Association is currently working to increase the number of SAD light stations and lamps to other areas on campus, including more libraries.