Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

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Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD)

• When Winter Gets You Down

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What is SAD?

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of
  winter depression that affects an estimated half
  a million people every year. It is believed to be
  caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.
  
• In the winter there is a decrease in the amount
  of natural light that reaches us. This is due
  partly to less daylight hours and partly to
  changing weather patterns.
• This lack of sunlight causes a reduction in
  serotonin production and an increase in the level
  of melatonin. This produces the symptoms
  associated with SAD.

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Symptoms of SAD

• Sleeping Problems
• Not being able to stay awake
• Disturbed/Uneasy Sleep
• Oversleeping
• Lethargy
• Depression
• Regularly occurring symptoms of depression during
  the fall or winter months.
• Including loss of feelings
• Social Problems
• Pulling away from friends
• Avoiding social situations

• Mood Changes
• Extremes of mood
• Increase in PMS symptoms in women
• Diet Changes
• Over-eating
• Increased craving for sugary or carbohydrate rich
  foods
• Loss of libido
• Increase in Anxiety
• Weakened Immune System

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Suggestions for Coping with SAD

• Visit the campus counseling center and discuss
  symptoms with a counselor.
• Educate yourself, family and friends regarding
  SAD to gain their understanding and support.

• Get as much light as possible and avoid dark
  environments during daylight hours.
• Allow natural light to shine through open windows
  and doors when temperatures are moderate.
• Exercising daily outdoors when possible

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Coping with SAD

• Rearrange workspaces and work near a window, or
  set up bright lights in your work area.
• Keep a daily log noting weather conditions,
  energy levels, moods, appetite/weight, sleep
  times and activities.

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Coping with SAD

• Avoid staying up late, as much as possible, which
  disrupts sleep schedule and biological clock.
• Be aware of cold outside temperatures and dress
  to conserve energy and warmth.

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Interesting Facts About SAD

• SAD was discovered before 1845, but was not
  officially named until the early 1980s.
• Over 100 articles have been written on the
  subject since-1999.
• Rosenthal et al's 1984 paper defined seasonal
  affective disorder (SAD) for the first time.
• Medline has included a separate Medical Subject
  Heading (MeSH) for seasonal affective disorder.
• As many as 6 of every 100 people in the United
  States may have SAD.

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Facts Continued

• Sad is more common in northern geographic
  regions, like New England.
• SAD is more common in women than in men.
• The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are
  January and February.

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• Dark and Cold and Sad
  
• Bleak till the promise of Spring
• Winter depression.
• Haiku by Dr. Raymond W. Lam

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Bulletin Board submitted by Catherine White,
Student Hall Director, Worcester Polytechnic
Institute

• Catherine is a Student Hall Director at Worcester
  Polytechnic Institute studying Biotechnology and
  International Studies. Prior to this role, she
  served as a Resident Assistant. She is
  originally from New York City and attended
  Brooklyn Technical High School. On-campus she is
  involved in Mock Trial, Tech News (our campus
  newspaper), Mu Sigma Delta (our Pre-Health
  Society), and EMS.