Isa Riano, Advertisement Manager
TW: This article discusses depression, Season Affective Disorder, and mental health.
Although many see Christmas as a time of joy and laughter, others struggle with their mental health during the holidays. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression, often affects people’s moods during a specific time of the year, often during late December and early January. Follow along to learn the symptoms of this disorder and some solutions to move forward and start 2024 on the right foot.
Seasonal depression has many symptoms that people experience with the change of seasons during the year.
“Some common symptoms are feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day; losing interest in activities you once enjoyed; having low energy and feeling sluggish; having problems with sleeping too much; overeating and weight gain; having difficulty concentrating; and feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty,” said Lorianns Kardok, a licensed mental health counselor for Counseling Services at Saint Leo University.
There are some reasons why some may experience these symptoms, especially during the holidays.
“SAD is common and especially prevalent in the north during the winter, or holiday season, where the days are shorter and the nights long,” said Kardok.
For some people, finances and time management during December and January may be a struggle, as they are pressured to buy gifts, decorate the house, talk to relatives who may not be close to the family, and travel.
For college students, the end of the semester may increase anxiety levels.
“There is the added pressure of completing the semester, finals, leaving friends, and traveling home or staying with someone else’s family,” said Kardok.
While going home for the break is an excellent experience for some students, others may struggle to return to a toxic environment while college was their escape.
Although Seasonal Affective Disorder is challenging, we can support those who struggle with it.
“Listen and empathize with them. Encourage them to have healthy habits that promote positive mental health. Invite them to exercise classes, go outside or encourage them to reach out to the counseling center for additional support,” said Kardok.
Saint Leo students should be mindful of the resources available for their friends if they struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Lions need to support others while understanding that it is not their responsibility to fix their problems.
“Encourage your friends to seek help, and if you’re worried about their safety, always report your concerns to faculty, an RA, or the counseling center,” said Kardok.
For those struggling with Seasonal Affective disorder, there are many possible solutions, such as phototherapy.
“With light therapy you sit a few feet from a specific light box so that you’re exposed to bright light within the first hour of waking up each day,” said Kardok.
Apart from therapy, counseling, and psychotropic medication, some lifestyle tips can help those who feel down during the holidays improve their mood, such as going outside when the sun is shining bright.
“Make your environment inside brighter as well. Open the blinds or windows and sit closer to the window when at work or in class,” said Kardok.
Other lifestyle tips include exercising and sleeping well. People can exercise with yoga, pilates, swimming, or even going out for walks regularly. Sleeping well is essential, as the brain does not work well when sleep-deprived.
Students who want to talk if they struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder can reach the counseling center at 352-588-TALK or Counseling@saintleo.edu. When calling the phone number, they can get someone 24/7.
