As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, many people find themselves challenged by the effects of seasonal affective disorder.
About 6% of the U.S. population suffers from SAD, which is “an affective disorder that affects your emotions and mood that is markedly different from your typical functioning,” said Daniel George, a lecturer in the Department of Psychology.
SAD impacts about 25% of college students, and JMU students are no exception. The most difficult months are January and February, though the holidays can also contribute to SAD.
“SAD affects a lot of contextual factors that usually interact with emotions in different ways,” George said. “For instance, in the summer, the days are brighter, they’re longer, people are out more, and are typically more active. Whereas in the cold winter months, days are darker and much shorter. Weather can be a lot more unpleasant — unless you’re super active in the snow.”
The difference between general depression and SAD comes down to the symptoms. “The major symptoms would be sadness for longer than just a few weeks, different from normal functioning and an atypical reaction,” George said. “It has to be the presence of sadness and/or the absence of happiness — anhedonia."
In surveying a group of JMU sorority students, many of them reported experiencing SAD but weren’t diagnosed. “Just because you don’t have a diagnosis doesn’t mean you’re not experiencing symptoms of SAD,” George explained.
The students surveyed noted extreme fatigue as one of their main symptoms of SAD. Students also mentioned how SAD impacts their academic life. They described feelings of not wanting to go to class when it’s dark, having a harder time focusing, spending less time on homework and turning in assignments late.
Some coping methods that the students found helpful include taking vitamins regularly, going on medication, seeking therapy, trying to stay active and doing things that normally make them happy.
“I’m thankful for my ability to interact with students in maybe a more emotionally informed way,” George said. “My background allows me to encourage students, or maybe ask them questions or refer them to adequate resources.” He mentioned that he can recognize symptoms in students, and speak words of encouragement or give helpful advice.
The Counseling Center also provides students with resources and counseling from mental health professionals. JMU recently received a two-year grant to improve the university’s mental health services. The grant will also aid in hiring a new Counseling Center resident.
