The constant weather changes throughout Western Pennsylvania spark constant mood swings and mood changes throughout the student body. Seasonal depression is very prominent throughout teens; however, most people dismiss it and claim that it is not real. It most definitely is real and it affects students in many different ways. This occurs the most during the winter months, although the symptoms can also be reversed and one may feel this type of depression during the summer months.
Seasonal depression, otherwise known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is known to come and go throughout the winter seasons, or climates that experience less sunlight during certain times of the year. SAD is typically known to affect people in their teenage years and it is seen to be more prominent in women than men.
People who experience SAD may experience many different types of symptoms. These symptoms affect each individual differently. The symptoms can include a change in sleep patterns, weight gain, social withdrawal, irritability and difficulty in concentrating.
“[Seasonal depression] drains my social battery,” Caroline Bender (9) said. “It makes it difficult to keep motivation to do normal things like going to school, my school work or participating in my hobbies.”
While some may choose to believe that seasonal depression is not real and it is a hoax, others do not see it this way. Science and psychology have proved this statement with a number of different studies. A study concerning the brain’s regulation of serotonin, which controls mood status and the regulation of melatonin and helps with the circadian rhythm, are all affected by the changing seasons and exposure to daylight. Due to this study, SAD has been proved to be true and it has become more prominent in everyday life.
As previously mentioned, SAD can be caused by a number of scientific reasons, but it can also be caused by a number of factors that people can control. Staying inside and isolation are a few key factors that can trigger SAD.
“I believe that seasonal depression is extremely prevalent and real, mostly due to the fact that I experience it. It changes my mood everyday and I am constantly feeling worn out,” Alyssa Bearer (11) said. “It creates an overall sad mindset, and in the summer with more daylight and heat, there is more happiness spread around from this energy.”
While SAD may be impossible for some people to overcome, there are short term ways to help resolve, or better this depression. Some may try to use light therapy, which is the use of a light therapy box. This lamp mimics the outdoor lighting throughout the day, with softer lighting in the morning and brighter lighting in the middle of the day. While some may try artificial ways to cure this depression, others may need to seek medical attention in order to help resolve it.