Unless you have grown fur and resemble a bear, wanting
to hibernate all winter while eating junk food all
day is not normal.
In fact, these may be a couple symptoms of Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression with symptoms
that occur during the winter months.
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LIGHT THERAPY: Eastern Michigan
University faculty, staff and students
can take advantage of the SADelite
light (such as the one depicted above)
available at Counseling Services in
Snow Health Center. The light helps
combat Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD). Exposure to the SADelite helps
the body produce serotonin, which is
needed more during the winter
months
when little or no sunlight is
available. Photo courtesy
of
www.northernlighttechnologies.com |
"The number one way to differentiate SAD from other types
of depression is the variation of symptoms that disappear
during the spring and summer months," said Linda Piippo,
graduate assistant for Counseling Services, located at
Eastern Michigan University's Snow Health Center. "The
farther north (geographically) you go, the more common
SAD is. Research is still being conducted to see what causes
it. The only known fact about SAD is that it has to do
with the amount of sunlight you receive."
Symptoms of SAD include: depression with fall and winter
onset; an increase in sleep and daytime tiredness; an increase
in appetite with weight gain; cravings of sweets and carbohydrates;
lack of energy; lower quality of rest; lack of interest
in things normally found pleasurable; and social withdrawal.
"The most common way to treat SAD is by using light therapy," said
Piippo. "Tanning beds are often mistaken for being the
same as light therapy. A certain amount of light needs
to be absorbed through the eyes, and light from a tanning
bed is not the same kind of light."
Research indicates that light affects the receptors in
the brain that produce serotonin. Serotonin levels affect
people's moods. The more serotonin produced, the better
a person's mood will be. Light therapy works because it
provides a full spectrum of artificial light into the eyes.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of
depression with symptoms during the winter months,
usually going into remission during the spring
and summer. The disorder usually begins in young
adults. What causes SAD is a topic of ongoing research.
What is known is that it has to do with the amount
of sunlight one receives. |
Eastern Michigan has a SADelite (brand name of the light)
available in the Snow Health Center that is free and available
for students, staff and faculty to use. Appointments can
be made during counseling services hours, Monday through
Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The SAD light is available throughout
the winter months and as long as people have symptoms.
Last year, during the first year the SADelite was available,
10 students used the service, Piippo said.
"Use of the SADelight is free at counseling services in
conjunction with free counseling," said Piippo. "Sometimes,
when you feel depressed, because of your physical symptoms,
you may have some negative thoughts. Talking to someone
can help."
The first step to using the light therapy is to call counseling
services and make an appointment. Piippo will conduct a
30-minute consultation with students, faculty and staff
to discuss symptoms they are currently experiencing. Piippo
also finds out whether patients are light sensitive and
to ensure they are not diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
After the consultation, they fill out a survey to assess
the magnitude of their symptoms. The counselor then determines
which services will be appropriate for each patient.
"It is recommended that you sit under the light at least
three times a week for 15 to 30 minutes," said Piippo. "It
is ideal to go before noon, but it is different for everyone.
You are in a quiet room, which is perfect for students
to study and do homework."
Piippo's advice is in line with a research review commissioned
by the American Psychiatric Association in Washington,
D.C. The association concluded that as little as 30 minutes
of daily light therapy is as effective as antidepressant
drugs in the treatment of SAD and other forms of depression.
The research appeared in the April 2005 issue of the American
Journal of Psychiatry.
Side effects from the light are generally uncommon and
usually mild. Light therapy consumers have complained of
eyestrain, dry eyes, headaches and insomnia. However, the
side effects are less common than those experienced from
taking prescription drugs.
Although light therapy is the most common way to treat
SAD, there are alternatives.
"If you can't get to the light, go outside, take a walk
or exercise," Piippo suggested.
Other alternatives include arranging spaces so that they
are most utilized by windows; use all natural light to
permeate your home and working environment; refrain from
using sunglasses when you drive; and maintain a regular
sleep schedule.
For more information about light therapy, contact Piippo
in Counseling Services at 487-1118.
