At 2 a.m on Nov. 6 people all over the United States set their clocks back an hour to mark the end of daylight savings time. While this may seem like a routine practice, its effects on one’s mental health can be harmful.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is characterized by changes in mood that occur at the same time of the year every year. SAD most commonly occurs in the fall and winter months as the days become shorter. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of SAD include “Irritability, tiredness or low energy, problems getting along with other people, hypersensitivity to rejection, oversleeping, appetite changes and weight gain,” all of which can be debilitating.
SAD typically affects people starting at the age of 20, but is not limited to that age group. According to Psychology Today, an estimated 10 million people will experience some form of SAD every year.
While the causes for SAD vary from person to person, from women being at a higher risk to having a family history of SAD, one agreed upon cause for SAD occurring in the winter is the loss of sunlight. Treatments such as light box therapy are available, but not easily accessible.
As high school students we have rigorous schedules that may keep us from going outside and “soaking up the sun” so to speak. Pressures to perform academically, socially and perhaps athletically can sometimes limit us from taking a step back and evaluating our mental health.
As winter approaches, and the risk for developing SAD increases, it’s important for students to accept the validity of SAD and other mental illnesses that may be affecting them, or the people around them. It is not uncommon for people to be shamed for mental illness or be told to “get over it” and move on with their lives, this mindset is undeniably detrimental to recovery.
To create a supportive environment at South, we have to stop using this harmful rhetoric and instead encourage those suffering to take the time to evaluate how they are feeling and seek help, whatever that help may be.
If you are suffering, or know someone who is suffering from SAD or any other type of mental illness, know that you are not alone and that there is help available.