The “Winter Doldrums” Really Do Exist for Some of Us

Recently, I had a student complain to me that she had lost interest in school and was having difficulty keeping up with her homework. She was particularly concerned because she had started off the school year with energy and actively involved in school clubs and sports. Since returning from Christmas break, she reported having trouble concentrating, and just wanted to sleep after school.

As we talked further, this sophomore student was able to identify a similar occurrence the year before. She remembered her parents being upset with her because she was slacking off during the winter term of her freshman year. However, her grades improved during spring term of that year, and her parents attributed her “slump” as an adjustment to high school.

After getting permission to contact her parents to recommend evaluation by her physician, I gave the student some information about Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD.

SAD is a type of depression that tends to appear the same time each year. A person suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder typically has symptoms of depression and fatigue during the winter months as the daylight hours become shorter. As spring returns and the daylight hours become longer, people with SAD experience a reduction of depressive symptoms and a return to their usual mood and energy level.

So what can we do to support students, friends and family who may suffer from this seasonal battle? First, it is important to try to get outside on a sunny day whenever possible. Spending approximately 45 minutes a day (preferably in the morning) in the sunlight is reported to help with mild cases of SAD. Also, using full spectrum light bulbs in regular lamps during the winter months will provide more daylight in our homes.

Because depression in any form can be serious, professional intervention may be needed. If you think you or someone you know has symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or any type of depression, please talk with your school counselor, physician, or someone who can help you get support.