The winter months are settling upon us, and for some that means lots of fun. But for those who have Seasonal Affective Disorder, it is a time of misery and intense depression. With the declining number of daylight hours many will become depressed as they are deprived of sunshine. For those people, winter is a season of sadness and lethargy.
Many dismiss seasonal depression as a bad day and tell people to "get over it." However, for some people it is an actual chemical imbalance in the brain that cannot be rectified simply by "dealing." It is best to err on the side of caution and be sympathetic to these people; they are struggling with an affliction that will be with them every year for the rest of their lives.
Studies have shown that countries located in the far north have a higher suicide rate, attributed to the fact that they get less then eight hours of daylight for half the year.
If those with this disorder are struggling with depression, the AU Counseling Center is available for consultation. Also, the oppressiveness of the dark hours can be lessened by sitting beneath soft lights or decorating a room with plants and light-colored materials.
Another cause of depression and stress in the winter months for many college students is the imminent approach of finals. The close of the semester is often loaded with papers and presentations, along with lengthy final exams that require lots of late-night study sessions. Many students will spend hours and hours cramming or typing furiously to finish their papers.
Students will frequently turn to coffee and energy drinks to stay up all night to work, but this only makes the problem worse. Caffeine speeds up the heart rate, making one feel more pressured and frantic. Overeating, drinking alcohol or taking drugs to escape the massive workload isn't a solution either. Not only do they take time away from being productive, but they can often result in occurrences that students do not want or aren't prepared for.
During this time, it is critical to take a break every once and a while to relax. A little bit of stress is a good thing, as it keeps one motivated. Too much, however, can lead to physical, emotional and mental health problems. Unfortunately, stress can manifest itself as acne, muscle tension, sleeplessness, lack of appetite, and vulnerability to illness and infection.
One of the best ways to combat stress is to manage your time wisely. You can also relax your stress levels by doing activities such as yoga, breathing exercises, doodling, listening to music, working out at the gym, talking to someone and getting sleep. Students can also seek help through the Academic Support Center.
Do yourself a favor and skip the party. Get some rest and work on that paper - it will be worth it to keep from burning the midnight oil and your health.
