The following is an editorial and does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of the The Drury Mirror. 

As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, it may seem normal to experience sadness at the loss of more comfortable weather–a mild case of the winter blues. However, for the nearly half a million people in the United States that suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, this sadness is more complex and long-lived, and can greatly affect their quality of life as the seasons change.

Who is susceptible?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also commonly referred to as Seasonal Depression, can affect any demographic at any time, however, 75 percent of the sufferers are women, and the disorder typically affects sufferers most during the winter months.

People who live in more cloudy regions or those with higher altitudes are more likely to be affected. In Missouri, the bitter cold and lack of sunlight during winter days can make a person feel particularly gloomy at the end of the day.

Natalie Eudy, a patient care associate at Freeman Hospital, found that both her patients and coworkers struggle with the earlier sunset time in winter.

“When the sun sets at 5 p.m., some people have just gotten off of work. When you feel like it’s already time to go to bed, it’s easy to feel like your entire day was wasted.”

Causes and concerns

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of SAD include, but are not limited to, the following: anxiety, irritability, withdrawal from usual activities, loss of interest in usual activities, fatigue, inability to concentrate, suicidal thoughts, low energy, weight gain and changes in sleep patterns.

In some severe cases, symptoms such as heavy or “leaden” limbs may be present. While most of the symptoms of Seasonal Depression are similar to those of a non-seasonal depression disorder, it is important to distinguish that these ailments are directly correlated to the changes in season.

For most sufferers, the disorder follows the same pattern from year to year. Symptoms usually begin in fall, worsen in winter and resolve by spring. Some researchers at Mayo Clinic speculate that SAD is linked to the shorter days and fewer hours of sunlight exposure in winter.

For many people, the gray days of an Ozark winter can worsen their mood and make them want to stay indoors.

A student who asked their name to be withheld feels helpless in the winter months.

“During the winter, I just want to stay indoors and avoid everyone. I’m already ready for summer again.”

Getting help

Treatments for SAD, including psychotherapy, talk therapy, light therapy or medication have proven to be effective.

If you or a friend is experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder or any other worrying symptoms, it is essential to ask for help in order to improve your mental health.

Drury has several confidential resources available for students to take advantage of on campus. Reach out to Ed Derr, director of counseling, at (417) 873-7457, or reach out via email at ederr@drury.edu. More campus-specific resources can be found at https://www.drury.edu/counseling/.

Article by Olivia Thompson.