As the days get darker, seasonal affective disorder symptoms begin to set in.
Symptoms can lead University of Rhode Island students to look for help to cope with stress, seeking services at the Counseling Center, Psychological Consultation Center and the Couples and Family Clinic.
The main thing students should know about seasonal affective disorder is that it’s treatable, according to Cory Clark, the director of counseling and psychological services. It is not a condition that is guaranteed to be a long term concern, which provides some hope that the symptoms will improve.
“If you’re noticing [changes in behavior] in yourself and friends, it’s okay to speak up,” Jessica Greene, the assistant director of health promotion at URI said.
Individuals affected by seasonal affective disorder face an increase in depressive symptoms related to the change of seasons, according to Clark. As the days get shorter, the associated stressors involved are more prominent. The seasonal changes can be significant for more than others as well as potential sleep disruption.
Also known as the winter blues, seasonal affective disorder is influenced by a lack of sunlight, according to Greene. When there is less sunlight, people’s serotonin levels decrease, which can affect their mood. During this time, feelings of sadness or anxiety tend to escalate as mid-terms come closer and students are choosing classes for next semester.
Stressors for seasonal affective disorder often happen around the holidays, according to Greene. Some students might be joyful, while others have a difficult time as they are going home to a stressful environment. If someone is in a bad mood, they could be showing signs of seasonal affective disorder.
People have to experience seasonal affective disorder symptoms for two years before getting a clinical diagnosis, according to Greene. The symptoms for seasonal affective disorder are associated with feelings of anxiety, depression and wanting to withdraw from social activities. This can affect people’s mood and lifestyle, especially sleep because the brain produces more melatonin in the winter.
URI counseling provides therapy from licensed clinicians, which can serve as a resource for students, according to Clark. If students need immediate help, they can go to the Telus Health App, which is a third party vendor that provides support 24/7 by phone and text.
“I think it’s important to be able to talk about your feelings,” Clark said. “[Therapists] can [work with you] to find coping mechanisms to manage what [you’re] going through.”
URI Health Services supports students with seasonal affective disorder who aren’t feeling physically well, according to Greene. Students can come in and be treated by nurse practitioners.
Health Services is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, according to Greene. The building is located at 6 Butterfield Road.
Health promotion frequently holds wellness events to provide stress relief, according to Greene. One event health promotion held this semester was line dancing. Later this month, health promotion will talk about how students can quit nicotine for free at health services.
“[By attending the events] you’re kind of stepping out of your comfort zone, meeting new people and trying something new,” Greene said. “That can also be a really great distraction technique as well.”
For resources beyond URI, students can use apps like Calm that have guided meditations they can use throughout the day and night, according to Greene. Distraction techniques like hobbies can be helpful as well. Physical activity like hiking is also recommended because people get vitamin D when the sun is out.
“This is a tough time of year for students and the preparation is really important,” Greene said. “If you feel like you’re struggling or falling behind, now’s the time to speak up and really keep yourself organized.”
