I’ve noticed recently that the gloomy weather has spurred on a lot of different reactions from people these days. Either everyone is suffering from a severe case of cabin fever or they just seem to be all around down and out. One day I decided to research if the weather had anything to do with the sudden change in behavior.
Did you know that there is something called Seasonal Affective Disorder? It also goes under the name of “winter depression” and “winter blues.’ Poets have described a sudden sense of sadness, loss and lethargy with the coming of winter for centuries.
I know the winter is cold
It brings out your fears
All throughout the years
I know the winter is cold
It makes you think
Of all the things you miss
I know the winter is cold
It’s dead and lonely
Suddenly nice are the phoney
I know the winter is cold
Because I’ve been afraid and alone
And I can’t break free
Of the everlasting winter entrapping me
Courtney Beaudry
It brings out your fears
All throughout the years
I know the winter is cold
It makes you think
Of all the things you miss
I know the winter is cold
It’s dead and lonely
Suddenly nice are the phoney
I know the winter is cold
Because I’ve been afraid and alone
And I can’t break free
Of the everlasting winter entrapping me
Courtney Beaudry
The typical symptoms of SAD include depression, lack of energy, increased need for sleep, a craving for sweets and weight gain. Symptoms begin in the fall, peak in the winter and usually resolve in the spring.
This disorder can sometimes affect up to 10 million Americans while a larger number might suffer from the general winter blues.
So if you’re feeling tired, don’t want to go to class, and you’ve suddenly gained that freshman 15…here are a few tips to beat it.
- Light can help! There has been a study showing improvement in SAD symptoms when individuals took a one-hour daily walk outside. It’s best to do this in the early hours of the morning, but if you can’t then make time out in your day.
- Daily exercise
- And if all else fails and you’re starting to feel like you need someone to talk to, please contact the Counseling Center. You can call them at 978-934-4331 or stop by their offices to make an appointment. McGauvran Student Center, Room 363, UML South, 71 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA 01854-3092
SAD is a very serious disorder. If you’re worried that you might have it, then please do yourself a favor and talk to someone. Sitting in your room and hoping it’s going to go away isn’t a good cure. It could hurt more than help. Try surrounding yourself with light and just remember that there are people out there who want to help.
SAD can also affect you in the summer. So if you suddenly start feeling anxious, irritable, have trouble sleeping, and start losing weight this could all be an affect of Summer Seasonal Depression.
Just keep remembering the words of Bobby Mcferrin: “Don’t worry, be happy!”
-Daisy 🙂