Spring Break
Don't let the winter blues get you SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder hits hardest in January, February due to shifts in biological clock
Michelle Suffin
Issue date: 1/17/08 Section: News
Students at OSU may find themselves feeling a little blue this winter. Recent studies have shown that the shorter and darker days of winter can greatly affect the moods of young men and women, and possibly lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder.
"I hate winter term," said Nicole Kadau, a sophomore majoring in business. "When it's dark and cold I don't feel motivated to go to class or do anything."
The cold weather can prevent many students from getting out and participating in activities that can prevent depression and SAD.
"I find that winter term is harder for students," said Georgine Thompson, a clinical social worker at the student counseling and psychological center.
"They don't get out and do fun activities with friends, and jogging outside may not sound like the best idea when it's pouring rain. The lack or decrease in exercise can greatly impact their mood."
Depression has become a major issue on many college campuses.
"The student health center has a greater number of men and women coming in with depression each year than with a common cold," Thompson said. "That's a pretty serious sign."
Depression is most common in men and women in their early 20s and affects one in every 10 people.
"We see an equal balance of men and women coming into the counseling center," Thompson said. "More men are coming forward and talking openly about their depression, and more students are made aware of depression's prominence. For example, look at all the pharmaceutical ads on television for prescriptions like Zoloft and Prozac."
Although some students suffer from year-round depression, one thing to consider is the possibility of SAD.
It is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes typically related to variations of light.
January and February are the most common times for students to experience SAD, when the changes in sunlight patterns shift their biological internal clocks.
"Your body can go into a sort of hibernation," said Phillip Histand, interim director of Student Health Services. "Your body rhythm can be thrown off when it gets dark outside."
"I hate winter term," said Nicole Kadau, a sophomore majoring in business. "When it's dark and cold I don't feel motivated to go to class or do anything."
The cold weather can prevent many students from getting out and participating in activities that can prevent depression and SAD.
"I find that winter term is harder for students," said Georgine Thompson, a clinical social worker at the student counseling and psychological center.
"They don't get out and do fun activities with friends, and jogging outside may not sound like the best idea when it's pouring rain. The lack or decrease in exercise can greatly impact their mood."
Depression has become a major issue on many college campuses.
"The student health center has a greater number of men and women coming in with depression each year than with a common cold," Thompson said. "That's a pretty serious sign."
Depression is most common in men and women in their early 20s and affects one in every 10 people.
"We see an equal balance of men and women coming into the counseling center," Thompson said. "More men are coming forward and talking openly about their depression, and more students are made aware of depression's prominence. For example, look at all the pharmaceutical ads on television for prescriptions like Zoloft and Prozac."
Although some students suffer from year-round depression, one thing to consider is the possibility of SAD.
It is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes typically related to variations of light.
January and February are the most common times for students to experience SAD, when the changes in sunlight patterns shift their biological internal clocks.
"Your body can go into a sort of hibernation," said Phillip Histand, interim director of Student Health Services. "Your body rhythm can be thrown off when it gets dark outside."
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