Nikalas Kryzanowski, Opinions Editor

opinions @theotherpress.ca

 

 

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WW esi: like we have been having is bound to make a number of us non-snow
bunnies sad, but this is not the sad I am talking about; I’m talking about Seasonal
Affective Disorder (SAD).

SAD is when someone is affected by not only “winter blues,” but also late
spring or early summer depression. It has been recognized as a disorder since the
1980s but many people don’t know it exists and many don’t know they have it or
that they can get help.

So, how does weather affect someone’s mood? Well, there is no confirmed
cause but it is known that we have an internal clock—a biological clock that
says be awake during the daylight and asleep at night. Our human cycle has been
programmed to follow this routine and when our bodies cannot adjust to the
seasonal change of light we can become SAD.

A similar thing happens to people who work graveyard shifts from 11 p.m. to
about 7 a.m. They are asleep when the body wants to be awake and awake when
the body wants to be asleep. My friend who worked long-term graveyard shifts was
told by her doctor that she has a weaker immune system and feels run down and
tired because of this biological clock working against her lifestyle. It is different
than seasonal affective disorder but similar because it has to do with the joyous

 

light of day. I find it fascinating how the human body works.

Symptoms of SAD would be present two consecutive winters, with no other
explanation. Someone experiencing SAD could get a boost of energy or the
symptoms slowly dissipate. SAD tends to be in women more than men and in
people over the age of 20. Some children may get it, and the risk decreases with
age.

We all get a little blue every now and again—it is a part of life—but if you
or someone you know finds daily function to be affected then make it a priority to
seek medical advice from a professional. Asking for help when you are depressed
can seem like a search for light in the dark, but you don’t have to do it alone. It
takes a strong person to ask for help and you are worth it!

If you would like to know more about SAD, symptoms or treatment I suggest
you consult your family physician.