Written by: Libby Thoma | Freelance Writer

Seasonal depression — diagnosably known as Seasonal Affective Disorder is a disorder where depression levels fluctuate through seasons. Usually, throughout the winter or the colder months, a person’s depression will increase, while subsequently, the person’s depression will decrease during summer or warm months. 

Generally, seasonal depression lasts about 40% of the year. It is thought the specific causes of seasonal depression disorder are less sun and the change to shorter days, causing a chemical change in the brain, leading to higher rates of depression. Melatonin and serotonin are found to play a role in causing depression, and the body produces more melatonin and less serotonin when it is dark out. 

Seasonal depression is a common form of depression, with about 5% of people over the age of 18 having seasonal depression, but it is rarer in children. Seasonal depression disorder affects a high amount of college students specifically — affecting approximately 25% of college students. The most common symptoms of seasonal depression include sleepiness, lowering of interest and pleasure, withdrawal, decreased concentration, weight gain or loss, headaches and stomach aches. 

The symptoms can have a great impact on college students’ learning, and because such a great number of college students experience the disorder, sharing ways to deal with this disorder is important. 

For all people suffering from this disorder, there are three main treatments for seasonal depression. Firstly, finding sunlight is important — whether this is through soaking up sunlight whenever possible, light therapy, or even, at the least, taking some Vitamin D. 

Psychotherapy, a therapy that assists a person with recognizing and altering emotions, thoughts and behaviors, is another treatment option. The third treatment is using medication such as antidepressants, which can be accessed through Western’s Student Health and Counseling Center. 

There are also ways college students specifically can help their disorder. These include maintaining a regular bedtime, creating a balanced school and sleep life, going to the SHCC for help and more. 

Seasonal depression disorder should not just be put off as “the winter blues”. It is an actual disorder that is very real and can have intense effects on people and is important to address. Seasonal depression’s negative effects on a person can get in the way of learning but more importantly, quality of life. If anyone is experiencing this, reach out for help, and don’t brush the disorder off as something trivial. 

Contact the author at ethoma@wou.edu