Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder

Did you know?

Almost 20 million Americans suffer from depression in any given one-year period.
An estimated $15 to $50 billion a year is lost due to the effects of depression.
Depression is very often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all by physicians.
Most people with major depression can be treated successfully.

Depression is not just a state of extreme sadness. Sadness is a natural reaction to an emotionally painful event. Depression is a very real illness. A clinically depressed person does not always have a reason for feeling so bad, and the symptoms can last from weeks to years.

Many people tend to become more depressed in the winter months, when they may feel just fine the rest of the year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is most often the result of a person's getting less natural light in winter months, especially in the higher latitudes. While it is very real depression, it is only present in winter months.

Signs & Symptoms of Depression

Emotional

Sadness
Anxiety
Guilt
Anger
Mood swings
Lack of emotional responsiveness
Feelings of Helplessness
Hopelessness

Physical

Chronic fatigue/lack of energy
Sleeping too much or too little
Overeating or loss of appetite
Constipation
Weight loss or gain
Irregular menstrual cycle
Loss of sexual desire
Unexplained aches and pains

Behavioral

Crying spells
Withdrawal from others
Neglect of responsibilities
Loss of interest in personal appearance
Loss of motivation

Thoughts/Perceptions

Frequent self-criticism
Pessimism
Impaired memory and concentration
Indecisiveness and confusion
Tendency to believe others think badly of you
Thoughts of death and suicide

What Can You Do?

Don't drink alcohol. Alcohol (and some other drugs) are natural depressants. While drinking can help alleviate the symptoms in the short run, it can make you more depressed in the long run.

Exercise. Exercising and walking releases endorphins, your body's natural mood enhancers.

Get some natural sunlight. Light in the winter is scarce because we stay indoors. Get out and take a walk for about half an hour a day to have some natural light, another mood enhancer.

Set small goals. Don't overload yourself. Pay attention to the times of day when you have more energy and try to get the hardest work done then.

If you feel like giving up, get help. Call UCS at 216.368.5872 to talk with a counselor.

Division of Student Affairs

University Counseling Services Mind Body Connection