By Angel Martinez
It’s great to be back in Corvallis. We’re all starting new classes, making new friends, and catching up with our social group/s. Aside from all that excitement I’m sure that we’ve all noticed the dark and gloomy weather that was here to greet us all for the start of winter term. Along with not being able to spend much time outside comfortably there is a serious issue that the winter season can bring upon some of us. Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D), also known as seasonal depression, is something that should be looked out for. Especially if it is your first time being in a colder winter climate than you’re used to.
Seasonal depression can happen to anyone even if they have never been diagnosed with clinical depression before. And If you are diagnosed with clinical depression, symptoms can actually increase during the winter.
If you are worried that you or a friend may be suffering from S.A.D these are some symptoms to look out for.
Loss of Energy, Oversleeping or Irregular Sleeping Patterns, Social Withdrawal, Depression, or Appetite Change
If you or a friend shows some of these symptoms here is some advice and resources that may help through this tough time.
First visit the CAPS center on the 5th floor of Snell Hall. There are many resources and ideas that they offer to help get you through this tough time. They have counseling in case you want to talk to someone. Your student fees guarantee the ability to speak with a counselor. There is also the mind spa that could help with any anxiety that you may feel, again a resource payed for by your student fees.
They also offer SAD lamp that you can rent for free. These lamps emit UV rays. One of the causes for seasonal depression is that your body is not getting enough Vitamin D through UV rays which are emitted by the sun. This is why it may also be a good idea to take Vitamin D tablets.
Next, find a friend or family member that you’re comfortable talking with. You don’t have to go through this alone, and no one should ever have to. Ask them to make you accountable. If they are aware of your situation have them make sure that you socialize and don’t become self-isolated.
School under any circumstances can be tough, and going through something like this only makes it harder. But you don’t have to hopelessly ride this out till spring time. There are a lot of people on and off campus that want to see you succeed at your fullest potential.
In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer. ~ Albert Camus
