The evidence of springtime is everywhere on campus, from the pink flowers on the

cherry blossom trees to games of Frisbee on the Quad. Even more so, though, one can

see an improved overall attitude now that everyone has made it through the winter.

Most people experience some degree of wintertime blues during the colder months, but

for some, the winter months mean constant fatigue and a lack of motivation to get out of

bed.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to changes in

seasons. According to Mayo Clinic, SAD occurs around the same time each year and

usually affects people during the late fall and winter months. However, symptoms for

some individuals begin in the spring and early summer.

Taylor Hinton, a 24­year­old graduate of Eastern Illinois University, said she first

experienced SAD during her junior year of high school.

“I remember it was October, and I was barely going to school,” she said. “I had a

negative outlook on everything and was extremely anxious.”

Hinton said it was then that her mom made her go to the doctor, where he suggested

that she was suffering from depression.

She said she came to realize that she suffered from SAD, in particular. “Over the years,

I’ve realized that the winter months are when I struggle the most,” Hinton said.

According to Mental Health America, SAD is related to seasonal variations of light and

an increase in melatonin, a hormone that is produced in the dark and has been related

to depression.

Half a million people are estimated to suffer from SAD, according to Mental Health

America. Six percent of those individuals need to be hospitalized, according to the

National Institute of Mental Health.

Howard Berenbaum, a psychology professor at the University, believes it is likely that a

large number of people who experience SAD are not diagnosed with the disorder.

He also said students who are experiencing any symptoms of depression should

consult the resources available at the University, such as the Mental Health Clinic at the

McKinley Health Center.

For individuals who do get diagnosed, SAD is one of the most treatable mental

illnesses. Phototherapy or medication can be given to individuals who need it; however,

sometimes simply spending time outdoors is enough.

“I love the outdoors, so I try to get outside as much as possible,” Hinton said. “Even just

walking on my lunch break is a life saver.”

People who live in colder climates have a harder time getting exercise during the winter

months. According to Mental Health America, SAD is extremely rare in individuals living

within a 30­degree latitude of the equator.

“The link between sedentary lifestyles in wintertime and depression is an alarming

trend,” said David Eagen, sophomore in LAS. “Just goes to show you how much being

active impacts our happiness.”

[email protected]