Last week on Feb.2, 2009 Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow beside him, a predictor of six more weeks of winter. Groundhog Day marks a popular tradition in the United States, but the outcome of more bad weather does not sit well for most people.

Continuous months of cold and wet weather leave many with winter depression, or seasonal affective disorder. This is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience symptoms of depression during the winter months. Some people experience major mood changes with the changing of the seasons, based on the amount of sunlight that your body receives. This makes seasonal affective disorder, or commonly referred to as SAD, more prevalent in Americans living in the northern part of the Unites States. Although, just because we are in Alabama, does not mean that people are not affected. As many as half a million people in the United States may have winter-onset depression, and another 10-20 percent may experience mild symptoms of SAD.

SAD is more common in women and can affect children, teenagers, and adults, although most cases occur in people twenty years old and older. Francie McMath, an Auburn University nursing student, said that there are many symptoms that could be signs of SAD. McMath said, “ Many people may crave sweets or starches, feet tired a lot, and have a change in appetite.” Additional signs are weight gain, a drop in energy level, difficulty concentrating, irritability and anxiety, or increased sensitivity to social rejection. These symptoms may cause people to avoid social situations and lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy.

Sunlight plays a key role in the brain’s production of certain hormones, melatonin and serotonin. These hormones help regulate a person’s sleep-wake cycle, energy, and mood. The shorter days and longer hours during the winter may cause increased levels of melatonin and decreased levels of serotonin, creating conditions of depression. This is why during the spring, summer, and fall seasons people do not experience this abnormal depression. There is enough natural sunlight to stimulate the appropriate levels of hormones in the brain to keep us feeling healthy and happy.

McMath said that treatment is available for people experiencing SAD. Light therapy is the most common suggestion to improve the symptoms. This involves a specially made light box or light visor that you wear for 30 minutes each day. Continuation of this therapy would have to occur until springtime, when there is enough natural sunlight to improve conditions. Other treatments include anti-depression medication, ionized-air administration, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The Auburn community needs to take advantage of the mild climate and pretty days we have here. It is important to get outside in the sunlight as much as possible. Exercising will release endorphins, which in turn will decrease symptoms of depression. Other remedies to people feeling a little blue this winter are to eat right and develop a sleep routine. A healthy diet and regular betimes can help maximize your health and in turn reap the benefits of daytime light. The good news is, spring is just around the corner!


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