By Ava Marinelli, Staff Writer, Emerson College
As I write this article, I am happier than I've been in weeks. Why, you ask? The sun is finally out after weeks of fog, rain, snow, and clouds. My room is aglow with natural light, I can actually feel the warmth of the sun, and everything is beautiful again. After spending weeks upon weeks feeling worn out and saddened by the cold, overcast, blustery weather, the sun's reentrance into my life was more than welcome. I'm sure many of you know this feeling very well. But for some, these weather-dictated feelings can be a little too much to handle. Seasonal affective disorder, also known as the winter blues and abbreviated to SAD, is a type of depression that rolls around about the same time each year.
With all the snow we've gotten so far this winter, and with March still stretching out ahead of us, some of you may be feeling those winter blues harder than every this year. I know I am. For me, my winter blues are marked by lethargy, an overall greater number of sad days, increased cravings for carb-heavy foods, fatigue, and chronic daydreaming about warmer days and sunnier climates. When subzero temperatures and snow days roll around, I can physically feel myself retreat into a SAD shell. It can make even the daily tasks of going to class and socializing with friends burdensome. Trekking out into the gross slush to get to Ansin every day? No thanks. Hiking down to Paramount through the wind tunnels that are Boston streets? I'd rather not. When I do manage to get myself out of my blanket cocoons, I'm a lot grumpier and short tempered than usual. Basically, it's about four months of varying levels of unpleasantness and lacking motivation.
Scientists haven't quite pinned down why certain people suffer from SAD, but there are a few running theories out there. One involves our circadian rhythm and its interaction with natural sunlight. In the fall and winter, the sun sets earlier and earlier, leaving us with shorter, darker days. Since our circadian rhythms rely heavily on the amount of natural sunlight in our day, the shorter winter days can really throw people off. That might be one of the reasons why SAD often comes with symptoms of fatigue and the desire to sleep more often; our bodies are getting confused by the lack of sunlight and don't quite know when it really is time to sleep. Another theory is linked to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical released to help regulate mood. It is influenced, again, by the amount of sunlight we have in our day (among other things). When we are exposed to less sunlight, either because the days are shorter or we're less inclined to brave the freezing temperatures, our brains produce less serotonin. This might explain why SAD is considered a type of depression, and seriously impacts mood. A third theory is linked to a different neurotransmitter, melatonin. Melatonin help regulates sleep and sleepiness, and is also influenced by how much sunlight we receive.
The theories about SAD's cause help indicate the types of treatment effective in combating the winter blues. One of the easiest ways to get out of the cold-snap funk is to get out into the sun! I know that can be hard what with our days packed with classes, extra curricular activities, homework, and the horrendous conditions this winter has brought us. So I cheat a little bit. On my desk, I have a lamp that gives off a similar type of light as the sun does. When I settle in for the afternoon to do my homework, I use that as my main source of light. A very common form of SAD treatment is to use a big light box, equipped with lights similar to mine, each morning to mimic the rising sun. Unfortunately, OHRL has a ban of these types of light boxes, so getting outside might be our only option for soaking up some extra rays.
As I write this article, I am happier than I've been in weeks. Why, you ask? The sun is finally out after weeks of fog, rain, snow, and clouds. My room is aglow with natural light, I can actually feel the warmth of the sun, and everything is beautiful again. After spending weeks upon weeks feeling worn out and saddened by the cold, overcast, blustery weather, the sun's reentrance into my life was more than welcome. I'm sure many of you know this feeling very well. But for some, these weather-dictated feelings can be a little too much to handle. Seasonal affective disorder, also known as the winter blues and abbreviated to SAD, is a type of depression that rolls around about the same time each year.
With all the snow we've gotten so far this winter, and with March still stretching out ahead of us, some of you may be feeling those winter blues harder than every this year. I know I am. For me, my winter blues are marked by lethargy, an overall greater number of sad days, increased cravings for carb-heavy foods, fatigue, and chronic daydreaming about warmer days and sunnier climates. When subzero temperatures and snow days roll around, I can physically feel myself retreat into a SAD shell. It can make even the daily tasks of going to class and socializing with friends burdensome. Trekking out into the gross slush to get to Ansin every day? No thanks. Hiking down to Paramount through the wind tunnels that are Boston streets? I'd rather not. When I do manage to get myself out of my blanket cocoons, I'm a lot grumpier and short tempered than usual. Basically, it's about four months of varying levels of unpleasantness and lacking motivation.
Scientists haven't quite pinned down why certain people suffer from SAD, but there are a few running theories out there. One involves our circadian rhythm and its interaction with natural sunlight. In the fall and winter, the sun sets earlier and earlier, leaving us with shorter, darker days. Since our circadian rhythms rely heavily on the amount of natural sunlight in our day, the shorter winter days can really throw people off. That might be one of the reasons why SAD often comes with symptoms of fatigue and the desire to sleep more often; our bodies are getting confused by the lack of sunlight and don't quite know when it really is time to sleep. Another theory is linked to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical released to help regulate mood. It is influenced, again, by the amount of sunlight we have in our day (among other things). When we are exposed to less sunlight, either because the days are shorter or we're less inclined to brave the freezing temperatures, our brains produce less serotonin. This might explain why SAD is considered a type of depression, and seriously impacts mood. A third theory is linked to a different neurotransmitter, melatonin. Melatonin help regulates sleep and sleepiness, and is also influenced by how much sunlight we receive.
The theories about SAD's cause help indicate the types of treatment effective in combating the winter blues. One of the easiest ways to get out of the cold-snap funk is to get out into the sun! I know that can be hard what with our days packed with classes, extra curricular activities, homework, and the horrendous conditions this winter has brought us. So I cheat a little bit. On my desk, I have a lamp that gives off a similar type of light as the sun does. When I settle in for the afternoon to do my homework, I use that as my main source of light. A very common form of SAD treatment is to use a big light box, equipped with lights similar to mine, each morning to mimic the rising sun. Unfortunately, OHRL has a ban of these types of light boxes, so getting outside might be our only option for soaking up some extra rays.
Another way to beat SAD is to get moving! Sometimes the best way to beat the lethargy and general desire for inactivity is to do the opposite and get active. One of my favorite ways to build some movement into my day without going to crazy is to drop in on the Fitness Center's Pilates and yoga classes. They both offer an easy way to stretch and move without being too much work. It can be hard to get yourself up and out of your room when you're feeling down for any reason, but it really does help. Plus activities like yoga can help relieve some of the stress or anxiety that might come with SAD (or midterms).
However, any type of depressive illness can be difficult to overcome on your own. If you a struggling to keep yourself afloat this winter, or for any reason at any time, please do not be afraid to ask for help. There is no shame in needing a hand, especially when it comes to mental health. Emerson has amazing resources at the Counseling and Psychological Services center, located in the Union Bank building on the second floor. They can also direct you to other local area resources. And don't forget…spring officially begins in six days. Hang in there, Emersonians. Winter is almost over!
Images: http://inhabitat.com, Corbis
However, any type of depressive illness can be difficult to overcome on your own. If you a struggling to keep yourself afloat this winter, or for any reason at any time, please do not be afraid to ask for help. There is no shame in needing a hand, especially when it comes to mental health. Emerson has amazing resources at the Counseling and Psychological Services center, located in the Union Bank building on the second floor. They can also direct you to other local area resources. And don't forget…spring officially begins in six days. Hang in there, Emersonians. Winter is almost over!
Images: http://inhabitat.com, Corbis