BYU NewsNet - December Blues

When the sun shortens its visits because of daylight saving time and is shrouded in cloud cover for extended periods of time during the winter months, feeling down is somewhat normal. It’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder. The cyclic depression is appropriately recognized as SAD.

Winter depressive episodes are mostly of mild to moderate severity. Most sufferers experience marked impair-ment of productivity at work or school and in social relationships. Many studies have found that SAD is more prevalent in women.

The American Psychiatric Association asserts that SAD is a form of depression brought on by a lack of sunlight and activity that will usually correct itself in springtime.

“Seasonal Affective Disorder is a subset of Major Depression Disorder,” said Tom Golightly, assistant clinical professor at the Counseling and Career Center.

The Mayo Clinic lists these symptoms to identify SAD: depression, hopelessness, anxiety, loss of energy, social withdrawal, oversleeping, loss of interest, changes in appetite, weight gain and difficulty processing informa-tion.

“The frequency and intensity of [these] feelings lead to the need for counseling,” Golightly said.

While everyone is marginally susceptible to SAD, there are some who feel the symptoms more acutely than oth-ers. According to the American Psychiatric Association, SAD only affects 4-6 percent of Americans.

In order to offset the gloomy feelings stemming from overcast skies, Golightly recommends “a regular workout or a regular eating schedule” as part of a balanced routine.

The Northern County Psychiatric Associates, located in Baltimore, Md., recommends ways to keep happy dur-ing the winter months, such as taking a walk outside everyday (even an overcast sky will provide mental health benefits) and telling someone how you feel, be it a therapist or a good friend.

The BYU Counseling and Career Center recommends talk therapy and bio-feedback tests to help those who are suffering from SAD. A bio-feedback test measures how different stresses affect mental stability.

The Counseling and Career Center offers free counseling and bio-feedback test measures to BYU students. To schedule an appointment, stop by 1500 WSC or call 422-3035.