Research Paper on Seasonal Affective Disorder

How many people are affected with seasonal affective depression? It is estimated that 10 million people are affected by seasonal affective disorder. This issue is affecting adolescents and college students all over the world. Recently there has been more of a concern with seasonal depression because of the pandemic. Seasonal depression has been more apparent due to the pandemic and multiple shoot downs.  Most people agree that seasonal depression is an issue, But the other side would be how people treat seasonal depression in many different ways. There is research that the more sunlight you receive the better for your mental health, and the happier you could be. Also working out in the morning will help you more with your mental health and staying active. It’s important that people understand how to recognize signs of seasonal affective depression in themselves and ways they can treat it.

What is seasonal affective depression?  Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)` was first described as a syndrome involving depressive episodes that recur and remit annually in certain seasons. Well, it is in the category of depression. SAD is not a distinct disorder, it is classified as a psychiatric disorder. SAD comes and goes depending on the season. It is most common in the fall and winter seasons, Due to the days getting shorter. It is estimated that 6% of the U.S. population is affected by SAD. Are there any signs of seasonal affective depression? Yes, there are, low energy levels, sleeping too much or not sleeping enough, self-harming, suicidal attempts, losing interest in things that used to be enjoyable. Those are just a few signs of SAD.  “The pattern of depression coming and going with the seasons must occur for at least two years to be considered SAD.” (child mind institute). It is important to know that because you want to rule out other stressors and don't want to be diagnosed with the wrong diagnosis. 

Is there any way to treat seasonal affective depression?  Yes, there is a treatment for seasonal affective depression the common and well-known one is light therapy “10,000-lux of full-spectrum or cool white fluorescent lights set behind an ultraviolet shield is the standard. The recommended daily duration varies from 30 minutes to two hours per day, and two to four weeks is typically adequate to determine responsiveness.” (Roecklein, Kathryn A, and Kelly J Rohan.) This is the most common way to treat SAD. there have been good results and reviews on light therapy. 

Are there any other therapies other than light therapy? Yes, there is another therapy is Cognitive behavioral therapy also known as CBT. This therapy is a type of psychological treatment. This therapy is effective in many different issues including severe mental illness, eating disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, anxiety disorders, and depression. In some research, it has been shown that CBT is more effective than other treatments. CBT involves changing the thinking patterns. There are four strategies. One is to learn how someone thinks they are creating an issue. The second one is to gain a better understanding of how someone behaves and their motivation towards others. The third one is to see how someone uses problem-solving skills when a difficult situation occurs. The fourth and final one is to learn how to get more confidence. CBT includes three behavioral patterns and strategies. One is facing their fears and not avoiding the fear. The second one is using role-playing to prepare for interactions with others. The third one is learning how to calm and relax the body. CBT encourages them to do the exercises on their own and also with their therapists. The therapist focuses on what is going on currently in the person's life, they focus on moving forward and how to cope with life 

Who is most likely at risk? Anyone can be affected by SAD but young people and women are at higher risk. SAD normally develops around age 20 and decreases overtime at age 50. According to the article by Penn State, there are three factors that have a higher risk of developing SAD. One is inherent vulnerability, SAD can run in the family and pass down the family tree including other types of depression. The second is light deprivation, this is more likely when it is fall and winter seasons because the light exposure is lower. Since the light intake is lower that can result in a negative effect on mood. The third and final one is stress, the increase of stress is one of the signs of SAD. Are college students at risk? Yes, college students are at risk but college freshmen for more are at risk due to four main reasons. The first one is that the move to campus most likely involved a change in the climate. The second one is the ability to cope with stress. This is likely to create a domino effect, decrease in energy, harder to have the energy to do homework, and lack of confidence. The third is self-discipline should become more prominent due to parents not breathing over your shoulder anymore. The final and fourth one is lack of early morning sunlight, college students are more likely to sleep in and skip their early morning classes. Are there any good coping tips? There are quite a few tips but a few are. “Light up your life” have your blinds open, walls painted bright, have your light bulbs brighter. Stay warm, have a heating blanket or any blanket on you, with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate.  Have a schedule set to exercise and bring a friend with you to be accountable to make sure you go, morning workouts are recommended. Have a healthier diet, eat more complex carbohydrates like cereal, pasta, and nuts. Eat less simple carbs like candy bars and cookies. Up to three snacks, a day is good, like fruits and vegetables. 

Are there any personal stories? Yes, there are many stories, one is a story about Lindsey Hornickel she is 25 years old and lives in Louisville. She has had a past with depression but when the pandemic started she was doing ok with her mental state she put a lot more focus on work and pushed all her other worries away. She kept on telling herself she was fine. But then it wasn't in the summertime her mental state got worse. She went through a depressive swing and eventually told her roommate that she wanted to die. Lindsey said ‘“For me, personally, the nighttime is really hard,” Hornickel says. “And when there’s no sunlight and sunshine and things to do — at that time in the winter — it definitely compounds those feelings.”’ what Lindsey just described was seasonal affective disorder. 

Has seasonal depression only been researched to be found in the winter seasons? Yes, there was a study done in Instanbul, Turkey. This study analyzed the relationship between seasonal changes and climatic variations and suicide attempts with 2131 young adults. The results of the study were that connection between suicide attempts in young adults and seasonal changes. Suicide attempts occurred more during the summer. 

It’s important that people understand how to recognize signs of seasonal affective depression in themselves and ways they can treat it. Proven above there was plenty of research done that seasonal affective depression does affect people.  Also found out that the pandemic affected teens and adults. found different ways to treat seasonal affective disorder including light therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Learned about a personal story from Lindsey Hornickel. With all the information that was learned, we know that seasonal affective depression is an issue and more research and treat should be found.