Most people dread the coming of winter; the cold days and long nights, spent mostly indoors, leave much to be desired for those who would rather be outside with spring in full bloom or enjoying the freedom of a summer day. Mental health studies now give more of a reason to favor the brighter seasons.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, a form of depression suffered by millions of people, affects those living in northern areas where winters tend to be longer and harsher.
"S.A.D. is a subtype of major depression," said Dr. David L. Gilles-Thomas, director of clinical psychological studies at the Richmond Counseling Center. "The classic symptoms of depression can be exhibited by those suffering from S.A.D.: an increased need for sleep, increased appetite and general lethargy. Symptoms tend to come on around fall, peak in winter and usually fade with spring."
The shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in the winter cause a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus. The symptoms that S.A.D. sufferers experience are a result of this imbalance.
As with many mental disorders, the intensity of symptoms may vary. According to Gilles-Thomas, many people may experience a few symptoms associated with S.A.D. in less severe forms, though they may not actually have the disorder.
"I don't think I am necessarily suffering from S.A.D.," said Jenna Oldenburg, a senior biology major. "But I do feel that winter has a negative effect on my lifestyle. I feel that I am tired more often in the winter. I feel that the lack of sunlight and getting out is a contributing factor in how I feel in winter months."
Donnell Long, a senior mechanical engineering major, said that winter months definitely have an effect on his mood.
"Bad weather just brings you down, especially in Buffalo. It snows a lot, and the skies are very cloudy. It is kind of depressing but I don't want to jump off a bridge or anything," he said.
Winters in Western New York are among the longer, grayer ones; along with papers, exams and classes, UB students have to battle the effects that the lack of sunlight can have on their mental health.
"The weather in Buffalo definitely affects how I feel about going to class," said Jermaine Younger, a sophomore communication major. "It's very cold, and it gets dark much earlier, making me less willing to go to late classes."
Carrie Cassidy, a junior pharmacy major, said that she encounters difficulty coping with the long Buffalo winters.
"It's hard to get up in the morning when my bed is so warm and inviting, and it can be difficult staying awake in class," she said.
Dr. Veronica Lugris, assistant director of the counseling center, advises students to pay attention to the onset of any symptoms of depression they may be experiencing, along with maintaining health-conscious routines.
"People must pay attention to nutrition and sleep, and maintain an exercise routine. If they are feeling more lethargic and eating more in the winter and notice a pattern in the symptoms lifting in the spring, they may have S.A.D. and should see a counselor," said Lugris.
Along with academic routines, regular routines that contribute to overall health could also be interrupted during winter months.
"I definitely see changes in my mood during the winter," said Lacy Mandara, a senior health and human services major. "I lose the initiative to work out or get outside. Sometimes I feel like I need to go tanning. I know it's not good for my skin, but I just need a substitute for some sun in my life."
Finding a substitute for the sunlight is the focus of experimental light therapy treatment for S.A.D. In this form of treatment, a patient sits with a light box emitting bright fluorescent light for about 30 to 45 minutes each morning. According to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, a study conducted in 1986 showed that 80 of 112 people suffering from S.A.D experienced a reduction in symptoms after light therapy.
NAMI is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1979, dedicated to the support and help of those suffering from mental illness.
S.A.D. should not be confused with the melancholy moods associated with "winter blues" that many people experience as winter drags on. Gilles-Thomas warns against self-diagnoses.
"There is treatment for anyone experiencing any form of depression. Everyone should seek out a mental health professional to assess whether their condition goes beyond sadness and is more serious," he said. "Light boxes are expensive and time-consuming, and it may not be the right treatment for that individual, therefore a mental health assessment is strongly recommended."
For questions about S.A.D. and a mental health assessment, students can visit Counseling Services, a part of the "Wellness Team," a division of Student Affairs, located in 120 Richmond Hall, or call 645-2720.
