Feeling Sad? You may be feeling S.A.D.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is significantly more common the further north you go. People in Washington State are 7 times more likely to suffer from S.A.D. than people in Florida, leading many doctors and scientists to believe that it is related to the amount of daylight we are exposed to, and I don’t know if you noticed, but the snow has fallen on campus and I think we’re officially done with our crazy warm fall-like weather!

S.A.D. can range from mild to severe, so the symptoms are greatly varying.Here are some of the symptoms and warning signs:

  • Change in appetite

  • Loss in energy

  • Change in weight

  • Tendency to oversleep or inability to fall/stay asleep

  • Irritability and anxiety

  • Loss in interest of activities you used to enjoy

  • Feelings of hopelessness

 

There are multiple ways in which you can help deal with S.A.D. Light therapy is often used because here in Michigan we know that our winters can get dark and cold. Other ways to help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder include exercising regularly, eating well, and maintaining a routine.

  • Light therapy and massage chairs in the Wellness Zone at CAPS on the 3rd floor of the Union - no appointment necessary!

  • When you exercise regularly, not only are you getting out of the house, but biologically, your body is releasing endorphins to make you feel better, not to mention working up a great sweat at the CCRB will only make the walk there a bit chilly.

  • Eat better, feel better. Be sure to eat healthy, even in the cold winter months. While of course it is easier to order pizza and chicken wings delivery, this will leave you feeling sluggish. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamins to help keep your all of your body’s systems in check.

  • Get in the groove. Start a routine, and stick to it. This will make it easier for you to get out of bed and start your day each morning.

 

On campus, CAPS is equipped to help students navigate experiencing the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, and it is open to all students. Seek support sooner rather than later and check out the massage chairs and light therapy lamps in the Wellness Zone.

 

Contributed By: Meredith Ray