Researchers estimate Seasonal Affective Disorder causes winter
depression in 10 million Americans and 25 million suffer from a milder
form known as winter blues.

Light deprivation is one of four factors in developing SAD. As the
days get shorter, people find their attitudes changing, said Colleen
Milligan, counselor in the Counseling Center in Foust Hall.

“Like house plants whose branches may die off when they get less
hours of light, sometimes humans too crave more sleep because they
don’t get as much sunlight or outdoor exercise,” Milligan said. “People
become discouraged with their own performance at times when energy is
low.”

Alpena senior Kelli Kearly said she finds restricted activity during
winter difficult.

“I’m more of a summer kind of girl and I’m involved in more outdoor
activities in the summer so in the winter I feel kind of cooped up,”
Kearly said. “I work out a lot and try to stay active as much as
possible.”

Weather in Michigan leaves something to be desired, said Yale
freshman Meagan Austin.

“Originally, I’m from Tennessee and it’s really warm there,” Austin
said. “Up here it’s just cold and dreary.”

Gary Silker, Counseling Center faculty member, said there is a
difference between SAD and winter blues.

“For people with winter blues it’s not as easy to concentrate and
their energy level is not as high,” he said. “SAD is a lot more intense
response to lack of sunlight.”

Milligan said many students notice an attitude change during winter.

“I hear a lot of students notice the difference in their moods and
energy in the winter,” Milligan said. “They often feel better as the
days get longer.”

Students’ behavior helps in fighting winter depression, Milligan
said.

“Those who get plenty of exercise and dress warmly and get out in
spite of low temperatures seem to suffer less,” Milligan said.

Milligan also said diets need to change with the weather.

“Warm hearty home cooked soups and stews tend to give the energy
necessary to keep the digestive fire warm and provide a person with
energy,” Milligan said.

Silker said exercise is basic for fighting winter blues.

“The simplest treatment is to get more exercise,” Silker said.
“Exercise is a natural anti-depressant and it also lets people see
they’re fighting back.”

If exercise alone is ineffective, people should seek counseling and
may be put on medication, Silker said.

Metal boxes delivering a spectrum of light, known as light boxes,
are used to treat SAD. Sufferers also can have skylights installed in
their homes.

Researchers found SAD to be four times more common in women. People
between the ages of 20 and 40 were found most susceptible to SAD.

E-mail the author: defaultuser