By: Olivia Armstrong, Follow South Jersey Intern
SOUTH JERSEY — It’s officially that time when it gets darker earlier, the weather is changing, and seasonal depression can hit. Seasonal depression, also referred to as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of mood disorder that is triggered by the change in seasons, and it affects everyone but young people, women, and college students are at a higher risk.
Samantha Piazza, Licensed Professional Counselor/ Private practice owner seems to get more clients during this time. “I usually get an influx of inquiries about services during the fall, but especially following the holiday season,” Piazza said.
Although seasonal depression feels like it is taking over your body, experts says that there are many things that can be done to help, like medication, counseling, self care, eating well, getting enough rest, and physical activity. When you keep yourself busy and doing good things for your mind and body, you will ultimately feel much better.
“According to the American Psychiatric Association, About 5 percent of adults in the U.S. experience SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and it typically lasts about 40 percent of the year. It is more common among women than men,” Piazza said. Although it only lasts 40 percent of the year, it is still enough to put your mind in other places for that period of time.
A 21 year old senior at Rowan University who deals with seasonal depression that starts in September. “Transitioning from summer to school is usually what brings on the anxiety which inevitably leads to depression,” the student said. “It affects me everyday and can sometimes cause a lack of motivation for daily errands, school work, and social events. There are days where it can be hard to even leave my bed. Coping with my depression is difficult because it sometimes feels like nothing will fix it.”
This student goes to therapy, sees a doctor, and is medicated because her doctors told her she has a chemical imbalance because of a lack of serotonin. With her therapist she practices cognitive behavior treatments, and she also practices self care, like going to the gym, listening to music, journaling, seeing her friends and yes it all helps but it still hasn’t fully gone away. “This has happened for the last three years of my life and I still struggle to find a permanent resolution,” she stated. “Every remedy I take is trial and error. But it doesn’t mean I have lost hope.”
Seasonal depression takes a serious toll on people, but in all different ways. Kelly Martin, a 22 year old Rowan University graduate says it typically hits her when daylight savings starts.
“I don’t mind the cold weather but leaving work when it’s dark out rather than when it’s light out makes a big difference in my mood,” Martin said. “I become less motivated to do things like working out, chores, homework, and basic things like eating.”
Martin takes a different approach to the seasonal depression, rather than taking medication or seeing a therapist, she plans things to look forward to, to make her weeks go by faster. “I try to plan fun things in my life around these times to look forward to, like hanging out with my friends on the weekend, or small vacations to New York City.”
Martin hasn’t found anything that works for her to prevent her seasonal depression, but she has found ways to cope with it and still go throughout her life and will not be giving up either.
Seasonal depression is a real serious issue that unfortunately is hard to get completely rid of but there are many ways to try and make it better, make your days not feel the same, and navigate through your life with it.
For more information about seasonal depression and seasonal affective disorder click here.
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