Don't Let SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) Get You Down!
| Published: 01/16/2008 |
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During the time of year that days are shorter and darker, many people find themselves feeling more sad, irritable or fatigued than normal. While these may be completely normal feelings, when they occur frequently or in combination, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that follows seasonal rhythms, with symptoms occurring in the winter months and diminishing in spring and summer. SAD is a recognized emotional reaction to limited exposure to sunlight that may affect as much as 20% of the population during winter months. Fortunately, research shows that SAD responds readily to relatively short periods of light treatment.
Counseling Services and Health Services have a SATelite from Northern Light Technologies available to help provide you with regular exposure to light levels comparable to those experienced outdoors on a sunny day.
Treatment sessions typically involve reading for approximately one half hour next to the SATelite. Please contact ext. 7590 to schedule an appointment to use the SATelite in the Health Services office.
If you are interested in learning more about SAD and its symptoms and treatment or using the SATelite, call ext. 7590 to make an appointment with Counseling or Health Services.
Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Loss of energy
- Decrease in productivity and creativity
- Feeling down or depressed
- Excessive sleeping
- Less appetite control - craving sugar/starchy foods
- Symptoms of depression in fall/winter months
For more information, you can also check out the following Web sites :
- Northern Light Technologies: http://www.northernlight-tech.com/
- Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms: http://www.sltbr.org/ (Click on the "Public Info" Link)
- The Circadian Lighting Association: http://www.claorg.org/
- Norman Rosenthal's Web site: http://www.normanrosenthal.com/
- Campusblues.com: http://www.campusblues.com/index.asp
Confidential Online Screening available at:
http://inside.msoe.edu/counseling
This screening is provided so that you may find out in a few minutes whether it is advised for you to see a counselor regarding depression, anxiety, alcohol or eating disorders .
Family Ties, January 2008
Mozee Minute, January 2008