Sunlight and exercise are keys to fighting depression
As the mercury drops and days become shorter, moods and mental states may be altered by factors other than midterms and school pressures.
Millions of Americans exhibit symptoms of seasonal affective disorder between September and April.
Experts believe that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may affect up to 10 million Americans each year.
"This is a real problem," said Kate Kelly, Ph.D. candidate in counseling psychology. "Your body slows down in the winter, and you don't accomplish as much."
Sophomore computer science major Wojtek Biernacki is originally from Canada, but Memphis still seems gloomy to him in the wintertime. "You don't want to get out and do anything," Biernacki said. "I see a lot of people stop attending classes."
He said that people in the South don't seem well adjusted to the dark, cold winter months.
SAD symptoms include depression, lack of energy, increased need for sleep, increased eating, weight gain and decreased interest in daily activities.
"I don't want to go to class when it's cold outside," Biernacki said.Yale University's Winter Depression Program classifies the condition as one that is more likely to affect people living in northern regions of North America. Seasonal affective disorder also appears to affect more women than men, Yale University research suggests.
But Nicole Taylor, a junior studying criminal justice at The U of M, isn't affected by seasonal changes.
"My mood stays the same regardless of what season it is," Taylor said. "I think some people might use seasonal depression as an excuse."Other female students feel the effects of seasonal changes.
"You don't want to be bothered when it's cold and dark outside," said Leshay Cook, junior fashion merchandising and home furnishing major.
"When it's cold outside, you don't want to get up and go to class."
The American Psychological Association recognizes SAD as a real problem that affects millions of Americans.Kelly said there are steps students can take to prevent the onset of seasonal depression.
"Being outside as much as possible helps," Kelly said. "Getting as much sunlight and exercise as possible helps alleviate the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder."
Counselors say students should avoid alcohol consumption if they recognize symptoms of depression.
Taking positive steps to stay active and involved can trick the body out of seasonal depression, Kelly said. Staying active is a key strategy in avoiding seasonal depression.
"Students who think they may have suffered from SAD in the past should plan activities as winter begins," she said. "They should plan to surround themselves with friends and do things that they enjoy."
