As days grow shorter, some face SAD, depression
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - As Midwestern daylight decreases, the chance for seasonal affective disorder increases, Purdue University officials warn.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that starts in the fall and may continue into the winter months, sapping energy and increasing moodiness. For some, it can make them feel like the Grinch on a bad day. For others, it becomes more severe.
"On a college campus, it's important that we all watch for symptoms and take action," said Danita Brown, associate dean of students. "As finals approach, so does stress, which can exacerbate any kind of depression."
Individuals who feel depressed, as well as their friends, family and faculty, need to take action if they see symptoms, Brown said. Those symptoms may include:
* Depression
* Hopelessness
* Anxiety
* Loss of energy
* Social withdrawal
* Oversleeping
* Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
* Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
* Weight gain
* Difficulty concentrating and processing information
"Don't hesitate," Brown said. "None of these symptoms should be considered minor and treatments are available."
Treatment for seasonal affective disorder could include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications. For Purdue students, the first stop is generally the Office of the Dean of Students, their residence hall adviser or Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), https://www.purdue.edu/CAPS/, where a number of modalities are offered, some of them at no charge.
The Office of the Dean of Students is in Schleman Hall, Room 207, 765-494-1747. CAPS' main offices are in Psychology, Room 1120, and Purdue Student Health Center, Room 246, (765-494-6995), while satellite offices are located in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Vawter Residence Hall (765-496-3456). For urgent cases, assistance is available by calling 911.
The Office of the Dean of Students is in Schleman Hall, Room 207, 765-494-1747. CAPS' main offices are in Psychology, Room 1120, and Purdue Student Health Center, Room 246, (765-494-6995), while satellite offices are located in Purdue Village Bldg. 1237 and Vawter Residence Hall (765-496-3456). For urgent cases, assistance is available by calling 911.
Genetics, age and a body's natural chemical makeup are thought to all play a role in developing seasonal affective disorder. A few specific factors that may come into play, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:
* Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may disrupt your body's internal clock, which lets you know when you should sleep or be awake. This disruption of your circadian rhythm may lead to feelings of depression.
* Melatonin levels. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the natural hormone melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood. Talk to your doctor to see whether taking melatonin supplements is a good option.
* Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in seasonal affective disorder. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin, perhaps leading to depression.
"We have many students here who are from different latitudes and may never have experienced this before," Brown said. "It's critical that we all look out after each other."
Left untreated, seasonal affective disorder can worsen and lead to:
* Suicidal thoughts or behavior
* Social withdrawal
* School or work problems
* Substance abuse
Writer: Jeanne V. Norberg, 765-494-2084, jnorberg@purdue.edu
Source: Danita Brown 765-494-8698, dmbrown@purdue.edu