By Glory Busic, Reporter
According to the New York Times, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in the winter. SAD is a mental disorder that doesn’t get as much attention and awareness as it should. Many fail to realize that there is a difference between not liking a certain season, and actual depression because of it.
SAD affects both the person with the disorder and the people in their lives. If someone in your life is depressed, you’re more likely to catch on to that and not be as happy as you could be.
Since SAD is a type of depression, in extreme cases, a person struggling with it could end up committing suicide if they fail to receive understanding and support, and if they don’t get the help they need. According to CNN, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and poor concentration are all symptoms of SAD.
When students took a survey sent to their emails on Oct. 10 until the 11 titled Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) twenty six out of 85 people said that they know someone with SAD. Ten out of 85 people said that they themselves have SAD.
“It’s hard to say because it’s such an esoteric thing,” said a survey respondent“I don’t know if it’s a common phenomenon, like being a morning person or a night person, or if it’s actually a serious condition that heavily affects some people, while other people just sort of half-heartedly assert that they have it.”
The sad fact is most people said they know nothing about SAD.
“I’m pretty ignorant about it. I am much happier when it’s sunny then when it is cloudy,” said another survey respondent. “I know someone who has seasonal affective disorder, although I’m not sure if they have been officially diagnosed with it. They are more depressed in the winter months and don’t really have a lot of motivation for anything. Their attitude affects those around them.”
These quotes show that many people don’t know what SAD is and that many people who need treatment don’t get it. The odds are that everyone will encounter someone in their lifetime that has SAD, and if they are ignorant about it then that might cause them to think that the person they know is just being moody. It is more than that.
Anyone can promote awareness by donating to organizations and educating others. Post on social media, write a letter. Just explaining about SAD can, in itself, make a big difference.
“It’s hard to be happy only part of the year! It’s a struggle to remain optimistic throughout the hard times,” said a survey respondent who has SAD.
Mayo Clinic said that common treatment include “light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications.”
According to the New York Times, if a person thinks that they have SAD they should reach out to a mental health professional.
In the cold months ahead, it is important to be aware of SAD and how it affects people’s everyday lives. Everyone should know that SAD is a serious mental disorder and should not be taken as a joke.